Annual Report 2017/2018 Contents
Introduction 1 Stormwater Management 52 Mayor’s Message 2 Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 52 Elected Member Information 3 Limestone Coast Bushfire Management 52 Plan Meeting Attendance 3 Sid’s Lid Removal 52 Council and Committees 4 Infrastructure 53 Strategic Management Plan Framework 6 Street Trees 54 Decision Making Structure of Council 8 Infrastructure Works 56 Organisational Chart 10 Boundary Roads 56 CEO’s Message 11 Building Fire Safety Committee 56 Senior Executive Officers 12 Penola Road Traffic Count Data 57 City of Mount Gambier Staff 13 Rail Trail Funding Boost 57 Community 15 Crime Prevention Strategies 58 Junior Sports Assistance Fund 16 Concrete Footpath Construction 58 Youth Strategy and Culture and Heritage 17 Mount Gambier ReUse Market 59 Plan Carinya Gardens Cemetery 60 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies 18 Building Division 61 Mount Gambier Community 19 Bus Shelter Upgrades 61 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal State and National Planning Awards for 62 ZestFest 20 the Railway Lands Seniors Awards 21 Council Assessment Panel 63 Mount Gambier Library 22 Heritage Sub Committee 64 The Main Corner and Riddoch Art Gallery 24 Mount Gambier Regional Sport 65 Tertiary Health Education Grants Program 28 and Recreation Centre Broken Windows Children’s Art 29 $6.8million ALDI Development Approved 66 Presentation Tourism and Economic Development 67 Australia Day Awards 30 Economic Development 68 Mount Gambier Community Events 32 Events and Contribution to Economic 69 Mount Gambier Christmas Parade 34 Development Fringe Festival 36 Mount Gambier City Growth Strategy 70 National Volunteer Week 38 Flinders University Business Incubator 71 Community Engagement and Social 39 Proposal Inclusion Business Tech Show Success 72 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 40 Mount Gambier Visitor Centre 73 City of Mount Gambier Community Profile 41 Tourism Mount Gambier Discover Website 74 Dog and Cat Management Plan 2018-2023 42 New City Entrance Billboards 75 General Inspector’s Report 43 Visitor Centre ‘Pop Out’ Brochure 76 Community, Services, Lifestyle, Welfare 44 Flag Flies Again Over Iconic 78 and Wellbeing Centenary Tower Environment 45 International Teacher Exchange Program 79 Clean Up Australia Day 46 Regional Business Delegation in China 80 Ride2Work Day 46 Ghost Mushrooms 82 Environmental Sustainability Highlights 47 Waste Snapshot 49 Environmental Health 50 Claret Ash Tree in Cave Garden 51 Acacia Kindy Landfill Visit 51 Contents
Governance 83 Community Land 84 Internal Review of Council Actions 84 Council Policies 85 By-Laws 88 Freedom of Information Statement 88 Elector Representation Review 89 Confidentiality Provisions 90 Member Allowances and Reimbursements 92 Member Training and Development 93 Finance 95 Financial Performance - South Australian 96 Local Government Grants Commission Data Strategic Financial Management 98 and Sustainability Fixed Asset Snapshot 100 Budget Analysis 101 Procurement Policy and Process 104 Residential Rates Comparison 105 Implications for Rates 106 Auditor and Audit Committee 107 Selected General Statistics 108 General Purpose Financial Reports 109 Certification of Financial Statements 110 Statement of Comprehensive Income 111 Statement of Financial Position 112 Statement of Changes in Equity 113 Statement of Cash Flows 114 Notes to and forming part of the 115 Financial Statements Certification of Auditor Independence 145 Independent Auditors Report 146 Statement by Auditor 150 Welcome to the City of Mount Gambier 2017/2018 Annual Report
The Annual Report enables the City of The Annual Report provides a comprehensive Mount Gambier to inform the community of overview of how Council is responding to the its operations, activities and achievements challenges of a growing and evolving regional during the 2017/2018 financial year and City and region. It also reflects our strong fulfils Council’s legislative requirements. commitment to maintaining the highest standards of good governance and our participation in reviews and benchmarking projects to monitor Council’s financial and service performance. The format of this Annual Report is presented under the following headings: Community, Environment, Infrastructure, Tourism and Economic Development, Governance, and Finance. Each year, Council delivers many initiatives to help improve the quality of life for our community.
This report is made available to keep you better informed and we hope you find it reflective of the dynamic structure of our beautiful City.
1 Mayor’s Message
It is with great pleasure that I present the City of Mount Gambier Annual Report for the 2017/2018 financial year. Once again it has been a busy, productive year for Council. We have worked diligently with the community always our priority. All members of our community matter and Mount Gambier will have the first non- throughout the year I’ve had the opportunity to metropolitan innovation hub linked to meet so many people who are the quiet achievers, the GigCity project, providing significant the people who never expect recognition. Many opportunities for small business development work behind the scenes, some caring for people and commercialisation. Mount Gambier will now and some working for organisations that care provide a focal point for those in our community for people. Along with the support of volunteers with creative ideas, who are innovative while still who assist in numerous community events needing support to grow into a viable business. and activities each year, Council relies on the Council is delivering innovative projects including input from representatives of the community public access Wi-Fi, investment in tourism, who serve on various Council Committees and economic development, new signage program, provide support and expertise to our Advisory youth and arts, culture and heritage projects, Groups. On behalf of Elected Members and sustainability projects, while also maintaining Council employees I would like to acknowledge our City’s award winning amenities. As a Council the collective contribution of all of these worthy we can take pride in our prudent financial citizens. management that we have remained in a strong Council can be proud of many accomplishments financial position, with balanced budgets in the during the year, which will be reported on in more last four years and zero borrowings. detail throughout this report. However I would I am grateful for the support of my fellow Elected like to reference what I believe has been a great Members throughout the year and during the achievement, the launch of the New Venture term of this Council. Mount Gambier’s reputation Institute (NVI) Business Innovation Hub. Council for its beautiful amenities and facilities and the has a commitment to growing and diversifying positive vibe of the City is in no small part due our City and regional economy. Our Community to the tremendous effort and commitment of all Plan is supported by a range of focus areas Council employees and it is reassuring to know including digital strategy, tourism and city growth what a strong, reliable team our community has and provides specific outcomes to be delivered working for them. by the Council and/or in collaboration with other I hope you will find this Annual Report an tiers of government and organisations. informative record of Council’s wide range of Identified in our Digital and City Growth activities and a reflection of our progressive, Strategies was support for small business growth beautiful City. via the establishment of a business incubator in Mount Gambier. In partnership with NVI Flinders, Department of State Development and the Federal Government we have delivered on this action and special thanks must be extended to Member for Barker Mr Tony Pasin MP for his Andrew LEE contribution to the success of this project. MAYOR 2 The Council is comprised of a Mayor and Elected Member 10 Councillors, elected at large. The next four year term Local Government Elections will be Information held in November 2018.
Council 2014-2018 (L-R) Cr Sonya Mezinec, Cr Steven Perryman, Mayor Andrew Lee, Cr Josh Lynagh, Cr Des Mutton, Cr Mark Lovett, Cr Christian Greco, Cr Ian Von Stanke, Cr Penny Richardson, Cr Frank Morello, Cr Hanna Persello (Deputy Mayor).
Meeting Attendance
The following is the recorded attendance (or apologies) of Elected Members at the 12 Ordinary Council Meetings and the six Special Council Meetings held during the 2017/2018 year.
Council Meetings - July 2017 to June 2018
Elected Member Meetings Apologies Absent without Leave of Attended Apology Absence Mayor Lee 17 1 0 Cr Greco 15 2 1 Cr Lovett 12 5 1 Cr Lynagh 15 3 0 Cr Mezinec 14 2 0 2 Cr Morello 17 1 0 Cr Mutton 11 6 1 Cr Perryman 12 6 0 Cr Persello 13 5 0 Cr Richardson 15 2 1 Cr Von Stanke 16 2 0
3 Council and Committees (as at June 2018)
His Worship Cr Hanna Persello The Mayor Deputy Mayor Mr Andrew Lee Council Committee Council Committee Position Position Strategic Standing CEO Review Committee Committee (Presiding Member) Community Engagement Ex Officio and Social Inclusion Sub- Strategic Standing Committee (Presiding Committee Member) Operational Standing Committee CEO Review Committee (as Deputy Mayor) Audit Committee Junior Sports Assistance Fund (Presiding Community Engagement and Social Inclusion Member) Sub-Committee Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Environmental Sustainability Sub-Committee Committee Heritage Sub-Committee Other Positions Junior Sports Assistance Fund Community Mental Health Network Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Mount Gambier Christmas Parade Advisory Committee Group Other Positions Limestone Coast Local Government Limestone Coast Local Government Association (proxy – as Deputy Mayor) Association Local Government Association (proxy – as Local Government Association Deputy Mayor)
Cr Penny Richardson Cr Ian Von Stanke Council Committee Council Committee Position Position Strategic Standing Building Fire Safety Committee Committee (Presiding Community Engagement Member) and Social Inclusion Sub- Operational Standing Committee Committee Environmental Council Assessment Sustainability Sub- Panel Committee Environmental Sustainability Sub-Committee Heritage Sub-Committee (Presiding Member) Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee (Presiding Member) Other Positions Mount Gambier Heritage Advisory Group Other Positions National Disability Insurance Scheme Group Training Employment Reference Group Limestone Coast Zone Emergency Riddoch Art Gallery Inc Management Committee Riddoch Art Gallery Inc (proxy)
4 Cr Josh Lynagh Cr Des Mutton Council Committee Council Committee Position Position Strategic Standing Operational Standing Committee Committee Other Positions Environmental Australia Day Awards Sustainability Sub- Selection Panel Advisory Committee (Presiding Group Member) Australia Day Other Positions Celebrations Advisory Group Queen Elizabeth Park Trust Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group Mount Gambier and Districts Airport (DC Grant Tourism Mount Gambier s41) Committee LCLGA Regional Waste Management Steering Committee Cr Sonya Mezinec Council Committee Position Cr Mark Lovett Strategic Standing Council Committee Committee Position Audit Committee Operational Standing (Presiding Member) Committee (Presiding Environmental Member) Sustainability Sub- CEO Review Committee Committee (as Presiding Member Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Operational Standing Committee Committee) Other Positions Community Engagement and Social Inclusion Seniors Month Advisory Group Sub-Committee Tourism Mount Gambier (proxy) Heritage Sub-Committee Other Positions Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre Advisory Group Cr Christian Greco Council Committee Position Cr Frank Morello Operational Standing Council Committee Committee Position Other Positions Strategic Standing Limestone Coast Committee (Presiding Violence Against Women Member) Collaboration CEO Review Committee Joint Boundary Roads (as Presiding Member (with DC Grant) Advisory Group Strategic Standing Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Committee) Advisory Group Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee
Cr Steven Perryman Other Positions Greater Green Triangle University Department Council Committee of Rural Health Position Operational Standing Committee
5 Strategic Management Plan Framework
The Community Plan and the Futures Paper are The Futures Paper was developed entirely on the Council's key strategic documents, supported aspirations and issues raised and identified by by the Long Term Financial Plan, the Asset people within the community and was based on and Infrastructure Management Plan and sound academic research that identified four key the Annual Business Plan and Budget. These characteristics of successful cities: plans identify the direction, services and • Home to a highly skilled population, facilities that Council wishes to provide for the community during the next four years and • Centrally located, at the heart of a rich beyond. market and/or well positioned for trade with expanding markets, A Futures Paper for City Development • A diversified economy with a significant The City Development Framework Project proportion of high order services, and The City Development Framework Project was • Boasts a climate and/or natural setting fundamental in the development of the Futures superior to most other cities in the nation. Paper. This project commenced to ensure Council has a robust and planned approach to meet Using the Futures Paper as a guiding strategy the current and future challenges facing the for the long term development of the City, City. The project involved the development of Council is able to develop policies and align and overall strategies incorporating economic, social, allocate resources where the most benefit can be environmental and community opportunities and achieved. aspirations. The Community Plan The Futures Paper looks forward and focuses on The Community Plan represents the vision, two key questions: aspirations and priorities of the community now 1. Is what we have done in the past going to and into the future. It describes the community's sustain our community and economy into the values, how we work together and outlines future? the strategic initiatives to achieve ongoing sustainability and prosperity. The Community 2. What do we need to change or introduce to Plan was endorsed by Council at its meeting in ensure that our community and economy are May 2016. sustainable into the future?
6 The Community Plan was prepared by Council Council strives to create vibrancy, promote our in partnership with the community to guide identity and build a reputation for the City as a decision making over a four year period. The plan place to live, work, visit and invest. To provide identifies the outcomes we seek to achieve and a future for our people we need sustained the strategies we will put in place to deliver them. economic growth and employment as well as recreational and educational opportunities. The Community Plan will be reviewed following the 2018 Local Government elections. Through the development of corporate Key Performance Indicators (KPls), Council Our Vision undertakes quarterly reporting on the An inclusive city where people lead fulfilling lives. achievement of the strategies contained in the The richness and diversity of: Community Plan which are available on Council's website www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au • Our People, • Our Location, • Our Economy, and • Our Climate, Natural Resources, Art, Culture and Heritage are what makes Mount Gambier the thriving and successful place that people are proud to call home. These elements will contribute to the future growth and development of the City and form the goals of Council's Community Plan - The Futures Paper 2016-2020.
Photo credit: Ockert le Roux.
7 Decision Making Structure of Council
Council has adopted the following structure to facilitate good governance and informed decision making processes. Committee Structure Council’s Committee structure is set out below (as at June 2018).
Council Mount Gambier Regional Assessment Panel Sport and Recreation (Statutory Committee) Centre Committee (Section 41)
COUNCIL CEO Review Committee (Section 41) Audit Committee (Statutory) Strategic Standing Committee Building Fire (Section 41) Safety Operational Committee Standing Committee (Statutory) (Section 41)
Junior Sports Community Environmental Heritage Assistance Engagement Sustainability Sub-Committee Fund Social Inclusion Sub-Committee Committee Sub-Committee (Section 41)
Advisory Groups
• Joint Boundary Roads • Mount Gambier Youth • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel • Australia Day Breakfast • Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre • Seniors Month • Mount Gambier Christmas Parade • Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal
8 Council meetings are held at the Council Delegations Chamber, Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace To ensure the efficient performance of Council Mount Gambier on the third Tuesday of each operations and activities, Council delegates month at 6:00pm. certain powers and functions to the Chief Standing Committee meetings are held the week Executive Officer. These delegations are reviewed preceding Council meetings as follows (unless annually by Council. otherwise amended or altered by Council or the The current delegations were reviewed and relevant Standing Committee): adopted by Council on 20 February 2018 and are Strategic Standing Committee - normally available for public inspection at the principal second Monday of each month commencing at office of the Council and may be purchased. 5:30pm. The Chief Executive Officer further sub-delegates Operational Standing Committee - normally certain powers and functions as necessary to second Tuesday of each month commencing at specified Council officer positions. 7:30am. The delegations reference which legislative Council meetings and Committee meetings powers are delegated/sub-delegated and any are open to the public and Council encourages limitations or conditions that are applicable to attendance. those (sub) delegations. While members of the public are not normally permitted to speak at Council meetings, individuals may be invited to address the relevant Committee meetings. Any person wishing to have a matter considered by Council should communicate in writing to the Chief Executive Officer for presentation to the relevant Council and Committee meetings. Agenda closing dates apply. Please check with Council for timeframes and the date/times of relevant meetings. Agendas of all meetings are placed on public display not less than three clear days prior to the meeting. Minutes of Council meetings are placed on display within five days of a meeting. Agendas and minutes are also published on the Council website www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au In addition to the abovementioned Standing Committees, Council also convenes a range of Statutory Committees, Sub-Committees and Advisory Groups which meet as and when required.
9 Organisational Chart
ELECTED COUNCIL
Chief Executive Officer
CEO & Mayoral Support General Manager City Growth
Human Resources & WHS Carinya Development Gardens Control & Media & Communications Regulatory Tourism Services
General Manager Events Economic Development Community Wellbeing
Library Environmental Health General Manager Riddoch Art Council Business Services Gallery, Arts & Community Culture, Main Development & iServices Audit/Internal Corner Engagement Controls Customer Environmental Service, Finance Executive Sustainability & Rates Administration
Strategic General Manager Management City Infrastructure (including procurement & asset Engineering Waste/Depot, management) Design & Building Contract Maintenance, Management Parks & Gardens Infrastructure Caroline Landfill
10 CEO’s Message
Long term planning for communities is a major role of all levels of government and councils in particular as they are very much embedded within the communities they serve. With the immediacy of the modern world in part driven by media, social media and the pace of life, we must reinforce Council’s role in shaping Mount Gambier for the next 50 years and beyond. Council is now delivering on a raft of actions associated with the Futures Paper, our high level aspirational plan developed through extensive community engagement. Broadly our focus is our economy; our community; our location; arts, culture, heritage and environment. Specific The needs of our community are continually actions include: shifting, meaning that we are often providing • Significant investment in the visitor economy new services. Finding the right balance and mix partnering with the industry group Tourism of services is challenging and relies on feedback Mount Gambier, including public access from and engagement with the community. Wi-Fi, tourism signage and a digital tourism With service demand shifting and increasing, how presence, is Council going? We are delivering a wide range • Establishing a ReUse Market providing an of services, some new and others ongoing. Our opportunity for the community to reuse social media presence provides very timely and materials and reduce material going to landfill, exact feedback along with our other engagement activities. Council’s finances are sound, featuring • The Rail Trail across the City providing a safe balanced budgets over the past four years with environment to benefit walkers, runners and small surpluses and very small loan borrowings. those learning to ride, promoting exercise and We are in excellent financial shape for the future, family activity, particularly noting major projects completed over • Partnering with other agencies to promote the past 10 years. Mount Gambier as a place to live and work. Council must be balanced, delivering services Our population, particularly working age, needed today while ensuring we look forward and needs to grow to ensure a skilled labour force plan for our community’s future needs. Getting into the future, the right mix is challenging but not planning now • Direct support to community groups, sporting for the future means we will be ill-equipped to clubs and local events to create a lively, meet the demands of our community in decades involved community. Council allocates several to come. hundred thousand dollars in direct support every year for community groups and events, and • Advocating for Mount Gambier to maintain state services; to attract grant funds and to Mark McSHANE ensure the City and region receive its share of CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER resources.
11 Senior Executive Officers
For the purposes of the relevant provisions of General Manager Council Business Services the Local Government Act 1999, the Senior Pamela Lee Executive Officers (SEO's) of Council are Incorporating: defined as: • Finance, • Chief Executive Officer, and • Rates, • Four General Managers. • Internal Audit, The remuneration and benefits of the SEO's are • IT and Records Management, detailed in Council's Salary Register available • Executive Administration, by request at the Civic Centre. Remuneration • Customer Service, and includes salary, superannuation and a vehicle or salary equivalent. Each SEO is employed on a five • Governance and Strategy. year fixed term contract of employment.
The General Manager portfolios are as follows: General Manager Community Wellbeing Barbara Cernovskis
General Manager City Infrastructure Incorporating: Nick Serle • Library, Incorporating: • Environmental Sustainability, • Engineering and Contract Management, • Environmental Health, • Infrastructure, • Riddoch Art Gallery, Arts and Culture, Main Corner, • Waste Depot, Building Maintenance, Parks and Gardens, and • Community Development and Engagement, and • Caroline Landfill. • Heritage.
General Manager City Growth Dr Judy Nagy Incorporating: • Tourism, • Carinya Gardens, • Development Control and Regulatory Services, • Events, and • Economic Development.
General Manager City Infrastructure Nick Serle (left), General Manager City Growth Dr Judy Nagy, General Manager Community Wellbeing Barbara Cernovskis, General Manager Council Business Services Pamela Lee and Chief Executive Officer Mark McShane 12 City of Mount Gambier Staff
Portfolio Males Females Total Office of the CEO 1 5 6 Community Wellbeing 7 25 32 Council Business Services 4 26 30 City Growth 5 17 22 City Infrastructure 60 3 63 Totals 77 76 153
Total Number Employees: 153 Full Time Equivalents*: 132 *including trainees
Equal Employment Opportunity The Equal Opportunity and Discrimination Principles Administrative Procedure was developed to: Council is committed to achieving fair and • Facilitate an all-inclusive culture of tolerance, equitable employment practices including: fairness, equity and diversity in the work • Merit-based recruitment, selection and environment, promotion, • Ensure that all employees are aware of • Access for all employees to appropriate inappropriate workplace behaviours and how training, development and employee to prevent them from occurring, assistance programs, and • Ensure the best person for each job is • Grievance handling procedures. selected based on merit, Responsibilities • Promote an understanding among all All Council employees will treat everyone with employees of the particular considerations respect and courtesy, and without harassment, and benefits of different diversity groups in bullying or discrimination. All employees will at the workplace, all times behave in a way that upholds the City • To provide and maintain so far as is of Mount Gambier’s values and the integrity and reasonably practicable, a working good reputation of the Council. environment and system of work that is safe The City of Mount Gambier will: and without risk to health, • Demonstrate commitment to equal • Ensure legislative compliance with a view opportunity and diversity through its actions to preventing all forms of discrimination, and decision making, harassment and bullying, and • Demonstrate and embrace the principles of • Mitigate any employment-related equal opportunity, workplace diversity and the disadvantage for all employees and employee code of conduct, and particularly those from different groups. • Facilitate a culture of inclusiveness.
13 Left: Elly Bachmann (left), Brendan Bachmann, Elizabeth Durbidge, Sarah Harden and Shekinah Horsburgh getting excited about Youth Week.
Below: Dancers from Tonique Studio on the Hansel and Gretel float taking part in the 2017 Christmas Parade.
Above: Library volunteers enjoyed a morning tea to celebrate National Volunteer Week. Left: Steven Kennedy and Isabella Leane enjoy the Chill and Chat event at Metro for Youth Week. 14 Community
15 Junior Sports Assistance Fund
Membership of the Junior Sports Assistance Fund is comprised of the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant and a number of sporting organisations who have agreed to become financial members. The fund provides financial support for junior Brock Keding at the 2018 Senior League National Championship Under 17 Charter Team Adelaide Titans sports people who have achieved state selection in Lismore. or better in a specific sport. The financial transactions and financial position of the fund in The City of Mount Gambier Junior Sports 2017/2018 is as follows: Assistance Fund congratulates Brock Keding 2017/2018 Financial Position $ on his participation in two national baseball tournaments in May 2018. Assistance to juniors 13,450 Support for special coaching clinics 5,000 Brock competed in the 2018 Senior League National Championship Under 17 Charter Team Members' contributions 8,835 Adelaide Titans in Lismore, against New South Councils' contributions 12,000 Wales and won silver. Bank interest earned 1,152 Brock also represented South Australia in Donations received 1,500 the National Open School boys Baseball Sponsorship of programs received 6,340 tournament in Adelaide. South Australia Cash at bank, 30 June 2017 86,049 finished with a silver medal, just missing out on gold to New South Wales. For the 33 years of the fund's operations, the consolidated transactions to 30 June 2018 are as The fund made a donation of $450 to help follows: Brock participate in these events.
Fund History $ Assistance to juniors 464,200 Support for special coaching clinics 85,383 The major considerations and/or achievements Assistance to disadvantaged juniors 12,450 for the year included: Members' contributions 171,782 • 19 sporting organisations/clubs as members Councils' contributions 320,500 of the fund, Bank interest earned 69,910 • Generous donation of $2,500 from Donations received 44,586 Commercial Club Inc., Sponsorship of programs received 38,440 • The Mount Gambier and District Bendigo Other expenses 300 Community Bank generously provided its final Government and bank charges 1,326 sponsorship to the fund's annual coaching clinic program of $5,000, and Note that payments from the fund for assistance to juniors did not commence until July 1988, funding for coaching • The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes clinics did not commence until July 1991 and funding for approached the fund to administer a program disadvantaged juniors did not commence until July 2012. to support/assist financially disadvantaged juniors of our member organisations. The funding provided is up to $3,000 dependent on applications and is part of the surplus from the Blue Lake Fun Run. 16 Youth Strategy and Culture and Heritage Plan
Councillors met at a workshop in February “As a result of the consultation, we’ve now got 2018 to prioritise recommendations from the 17 recommendations to assess and prioritise. landmark Youth Engagement Strategy and the The high level key issues include: fit for purpose Culture and Heritage Plan. recreational facilities, engaging with public space, an accessible, welcoming and engaging CBD for The Youth Engagement Strategy and the Culture young people and creating a sustainable, vibrant and Heritage Plan deliver on key initiatives of the and visual youth culture,” he said. Community Plan – The Futures Paper 2016 – 2020, Council’s overarching strategic plan. “Youth want to be able to access high quality Wi-Fi, engage with activities in the CBD and The Youth Engagement Strategy is the first of its participate in public art projects.” kind for the City and recognises and responds to the fundamental role that young people between Under the guidance of Artistic Director Rachel the age of 12 and 25 play as citizens and valued Healy, Council explored cultural values and members of the community. aspirations within the Mount Gambier community to develop another groundbreaking strategic “Initially led by City Youth, Council’s Youth blueprint, the Culture and Heritage Plan. Advisory Group, the strategy reflects Council’s commitment to ensure that young people have “Between May and September 2017, more than input into future planning in Mount Gambier,” Cr 500 people provided input into 31 individual Josh Lynagh said. consultation activities which included visioning workshops, surveys, chalk boards, roundtable “From the outset we were thrilled to receive sessions, targeted engagement interviews, door feedback from more than 430 students at knocking, community barbecues and industry the launch of the engagement process at the group meetings,” Cr Frank Morello said. Limestone Coast Careers Expo in August 2017. Throughout the four month process, we engaged The engagement process highlighted key themes, with a total of 694 young people across 16 including the preservation and celebration of separate events and activities, including the very our natural, cultural and heritage assets, a focus successful Student Leaders Roundtable.” on increasing engagement and participation within cultural activities, further activation within University of South Australia final year Social the CBD, the need to identify and celebrate Work student Julie Baum completed a placement what makes Mount Gambier unique and a with Council and engaged with 60 young recommendation to address the lack of fit for people to explore the indicators, impacts and purpose creative spaces, performance venues perceptions of social exclusion in Mount Gambier. and cultural infrastructure. “There’s 28 individual recommendations to consider and prioritise within the plan. This document will lead to meaningful social and economic change and is a great step forward in investing in arts and culture bringing many benefits to the community including building the economy,” Cr Morello said.
Artistic Director Rachel Healy (centre) facilitated cultural workshops at the Main Corner. 17 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies
Six citizenship ceremonies were conducted during the 2017/2018 financial year, with a total of 27 people receiving Australian Citizenship. The ceremonies are conducted in compliance with the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code. New citizens were welcomed to the City from Britain, Germany, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Philippines, Scotland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zimbabwe. The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of South Australia provides complimentary tickets to the Royal Adelaide Show as a special gift for each person who receives Australian Citizenship in South Australia during the year. Representatives from Soroptimist International of Mount Gambier also attend the ceremonies and present a gift to every participant. For each public ceremony, Council invites an individual or group to attend and lead in the singing of the national anthem.
Top: Two year old Prabhkirat Singh. Chelsea Atkins, Mayor Andrew Lee and Valentine Wangul. Ellyana Sims singing the Australian National Anthem. Native flowers gifted by Soroptimists International Mount Gambier.
18 The Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal
Council wishes to thank everyone who generously donated to the Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal in 2017, and the volunteers who continue to support this initiative. More than 50 individuals and organisations contributed to the appeal raising a total of $19,424.94. Each year, the appeal plays an important role in ensuring that a range of vulnerable or isolated people in our City are able to experience the joy of Christmas. The appeal directly assisted more than 440 different families - including 652 children and young people through the provision of Christmas hampers, vouchers or gifts. The Men’s Shed donated 100 handcrafted toys which were made available to families with small children and will surely be cherished for years to come. “I sincerely thank everyone who supported the cause. I’m particularly thankful for the ongoing support of Mount Gambier Central and the Men’s Shed for its donation,” Mayor Andrew Lee said. “I also praise the general community for providing their spare change to support the appeal at the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade and Carols by Top: Mayor Lee is pictured with ac.care Manager Candlelight.” of Homeless Services Trish Spark with some of the Christmas hampers which were distributed within the Donations to the appeal were distributed through community just before Christmas. the Christmas Cheer Program delivered by the Middle: Left to right: John D’Souza (St Vincent de Paul), following agencies: Suzanne Roberts (Department for Child Protection), Laura Kilsby (Uniting Care), Mayor Andrew Lee, Trish • Uniting Care, Spark (ac care), Bronwyn Martin (Lifeline SE), Ria Wehrmann (Salvation Army). • ac.care, Bottom: David Burt of Rotary Club of Mount Gambier • Lifeline SE, West presents a cheque for the appeal to Mayor Andrew Lee. • St Vincent De Paul Society, and • The Salvation Army. To donate, or to find out more information Additional coordination support was once about the appeal, please visit www. again offered through the Department for Child mountgambier.sa.gov.au/christmasappeal Protection and Mount Gambier Central.
19 ZestFest – celebrating contributions older people make to the community
Mount Gambier celebrates the contributions As part of the project, one of Australia’s leading older people make to the community at the arts companies Illuminart projected large scale annual Seniors Festival. In 2017 the celebration images taken by local older people onto the was called ZestFest, a Festival for Modern exterior of the Main Corner on Saturday 28 Ageing based on three key themes: celebrate, October 2017 at 7:45pm. connect and challenge. “It challenged perceptions of older people, The 12 day event kicked off on Sunday 22 October their creative voice and capacity to contribute 2017 with a free Mount Gambier City Band and provide an opportunity for individuals to concert. The concert featured performances from express what's personally important to them in a a James Morrison Jazz Academy ensemble and a changing world.” vocal performance at the City Band Hall. City of Mount Gambier Community Development Officer Alison Brash said the ZestFest 2017 program featured a range of arts events and learning programs, including workshops focused on European languages, Seishikan Karate and finance. “One of the highlights of the event was 60+ Moments, a digital photography project creating new images and expectations of our older years, boldly reframing the way we age,” Ms Brash said.
Below: Illuminart projected large scale images taken by local older people onto the exterior of the Main Corner.
20 Seniors Awards
A dedicated local volunteer and history “Maxine is a very quiet achiever, committing group were recognised at the Seniors Awards herself to volunteering for many years. Her help to presentation at the Civic Centre in November others is never ending. She is a totally committed following the 2017 ZestFest. community person who will quietly put herself in the front line to volunteer, investing so much time The Mount Gambier Senior of the Year Award was cost free to the community,” nominator Susan awarded to Maxine Maney in acknowledgement Blackall said. of her achievements and service within the community. The Mount Gambier History Group was presented with the Mount Gambier Senior Recreation Award “An honorary member of Rotary Lakes, Maxine for its work on the Fidler and Webb exhibition held has spent years championing local causes. This at the Main Corner in October 2017. includes volunteering with St Vincent de Paul, providing Meals on Wheels deliveries and cooking “Committee members Aileen Clarke and Margaret with others at the Sunset Community Kitchen, Brown researched and collected material for the a cause she has supported since its inception exhibition over a two year period. Their tireless as a food coordinator,” City of Mount Gambier research and dedication resulted in a fantastic Community Development Officer Alison Brash community event showcasing the department said. store’s 150 year history,” Ms Brash said. The selection panel chose to recognise Maxine The duo were thrilled to accept the award on for her commitment to making Mount Gambier behalf of the hardworking group of volunteers. a better place and her willingness to roll up her “It’s a real honour and recognition of all the hard sleeves and get things done. work and the thousands of hours that everyone “Maxine played an important role in the ‘Save within the group gave to make sure the exhibition Our Palliative Care’ campaign and she has was a success” Ms Clarke said. helped out with many events including Relay for “The opening night alone attracted more than Life, Generations in Jazz, Carols by Candlelight 250 people and over 1000 others visited during and many other community building initiatives the 13 day exhibition, including many former including providing practical support to people employees, customers and ancestors of the Fidler with vision impairment.” and Webb family.” Maxine has also spent years supporting the Castec Rural Pioneers and local football, netball and cricket teams.
Mount Gambier History Group member Aileen Clarke (left), Lions Club of Mount Gambier member Ross Parkinson, Mount Gambier History Group member Margaret Brown, Mayor Andrew Lee, Mount Gambier Senior of the Year Award recipient Maxine Maney and Gambier City Lions President Wilf Nitschke.
21 Mount Gambier Library
The Mount Gambier Library is a place for creativity, innovation, recreation, information, NUMBER meeting and working and is the hub of the local OF VISITORS community. People from all walks of life from across the region, nation and the globe use the Library for these and many other purposes. Libraries have transformed themselves into many 368,413 things for many different people to support and be adaptive to the ever changing needs of their Throughout this year, the library has delivered its communities – Mount Gambier is a leader in regular programs including: this space. Offering more than 1,200 programs Baby Bounce, Move and Groove, Storytime, ranging from Baby Bounce to Tech Savvy Seniors, Minecraft Club, Robotics Club, LEGO Fan Club, craft to robotics, the Mount Gambier Library 3D printing, Wacom tablets, Bookwell, local and has something to offer everyone. We value the family history help, computer lessons, Crochet importance of life-long learning and support our Club, Chinese language lessons, Tuesday help community to ensure they remain educated and desk, JP service, reading group, Tech Savvy actively involved in community life. Seniors, school holiday programs and other special events including guest speakers, author NUMBER OF talks and the celebration of significant days, ITEMS 54,551 weeks and months. NUMBER OF 13,510 1,242 LOANS 426,644 ACTIVE TOTAL MEMBERS PROGRAMS
Living Book with Aunty Val - NAIDOC WEEK To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2017 the Library hosted a ‘Living Book’ event with South East Elder, Aunty Val Brennan. A living book aims to bring people together through conversation and face-to-face interaction – the perfect complement for the 2017 theme ‘Our Language Matters’, to emphasise the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in cultural identity. The setting was styled as an intimate morning tea as though participants were sitting in a family member’s home. Aunty Val shared chapters of her life, stories about her culture, growing up, intimate family moments, both happy and sad. A tender event with laughter and tears was enjoyed by the full house of participants.
Aunty Val Brennan 22 Books in Homes The Mount Gambier Library, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier and the Department of Education and Child Development, partnered with ‘Books In Homes’, National Simultaneous Storytime a charitable Creative storytelling with live performance organisation that More than 240 school children were promotes children’s entertained by the Mount Gambier Library’s literacy and enables theatrical performance of ‘Hickory Dickory children to select Dash’ at City Hall as part of National and own their own Simultaneous Storytime in May 2018. books. Every year, a picture book written and illustrated This year each child from Acacia Kindergarten by an Australian author is read simultaneously was able to choose nine brand new books which across the nation on the same day at the same were hand delivered at book giving ceremonies time, in kindergartens, schools, bookshops and held at the Library. This meant that a total of 548 libraries. books are now in homes that otherwise may not have had access to With the stage full of props and library staff in such items. costumes, this year’s book ‘Hickory Dickory Dash’ written by Tony Wilson had children The final book giving ceremony for 2017 was held yelling and cheering along with their favourite on 22 November at a special event with children, characters from the book. parents, Rotary members and staff in attendance. The event included local identities who read to the By bringing the story and characters to children and a barbecue provided by Rotary. life, children went on a journey with the 1,242 characters who delivered a subtle message of After three years of delivering the program and determination and courage. just under $13,000 in funding, the Rotary Club TOTAL of Mount Gambier has placed 1,688 books into The live performance was filmed and streamed homes to enable families to share the enjoyment PROGRAMS on social media for all to enjoy. and pleasure of reading.
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS New Library Manager ADULTS 9,404 On 5 February 2018, Council welcomed new Library Manager Georgina Davison who has CHILDREN 9,102 26 years’ experience in public libraries in TOTAL 18,506 Queensland and the Northern Territory. Georgina is extremely passionate about the role libraries play within their communities and was a participant in the highly successful International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI), a project of the Global Libraries initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which provided emerging library leaders with opportunities to connect and learn from each other, as well as explore new ideas and experiment with new services. Council welcomed Library Manager Georgina Davison (left) to the team in February 2018. 23 The Main Corner and Riddoch Art Gallery
Carve, Cut and Polish Limestone Coast Sculptors Kamunde Sadiki, Ivo Tadic, and Mark de Nys presented limestone, metal and wood in abstract and figurative forms in the Carve, Cut, Polish exhibition which was on show at the Riddoch Art Gallery from Friday 23 February until Sunday 11 March 2018. Ivo Tadic Aspiration (above) and Paisley Bosnian born and Mount Gambier based Ivo Tadic Fractal (left), 2017, is an artist who likes to explore the big picture. His Limestone, image courtesy of the artist. eye-catching sculptures created during 2017 and Kamunde Sadiki, 2018 have a strong conceptual research element. Village Life (below), “Tadic’s works always provide for a stimulating installation view, 2017- 2018, Ebony wood, conversation about the origin and nature of form, image courtesy of the materiality and spatiality, which includes thinking artist. about the three-dimensional space his sculptures occupy,” Riddoch Art Gallery Director Dr Melentie Pandilovski said. Mount Gambier based Mark de Nys creates sculptures made from industrial materials such as metal. De Nys works in a minimalist fashion, presenting simplified and reduced geometric forms, referencing both the Dada and Assemblage techniques as well as using junk as a sculptural material. “He uses objects he has found such as a clock mechanism and a hospital bedpan, in an unmistakable Duchampian style. Exceptional Kamunde Sadiki, Untitled treatment of shadow, light, and reflection, all play 4 (above), 2017-2018, a part in the work which de Nys terms ‘Additive Redwood, image courtesy Sculpture’, putting an emphasis on the materiality of the artist. of the works by smashing together different Mark deNys, Emerge components in order to create a new and unique (right), 2010, stainless steel, image courtesy of art-form,” Dr Pandilovski said. the artist. Congo-born Kamunde Sadiki arrived in Australia in 2015, after spending 13 years in a refugee camp in Zambia. Sadiki was inspired by the spiritual and artistic traditions of the African continent, as well the historical and contemporary political realities of Africa. Sadiki sculpts in a figurative fashion and uses diverse materials ranging from wood to limestone.
24 A landscape image taken by Ockert Le Roux.
Through The Lens of Ockert Le Roux Through the Lens of Ockert Le Roux, a collection of landscape images was launched at the Riddoch Art Gallery in Mount Gambier on Friday 14 July 2017. Participants take part in the exclusive preview of virtual reality work, Collisions at Fourteen of Ockert Le Roux’s most popular the Main Corner. landscape images were on exhibition in the Cathleen Edkins gallery until Sunday 20 August Collisions Virtual Reality launch 20 17. Emmy award winning production Collisions “For the past two years Ockert has focussed his debuted as the first virtual reality exhibition to time and energy on documenting the natural be featured at the Main Corner and Riddoch Art beauty of the Limestone Coast region in all its Gallery, with an exclusive preview on Thursday glory,” Riddoch Art Gallery Director Dr Melentie 18 January 2018. Pandilovski said. Arts and Culture Development Officer Serena To promote photography as an art form, Mr Wong encouraged the community to put on Le Roux hosted a dinner auction in the Main a headset for an exclusive preview of Lynette Corner foyer in collaboration with local chef Wallworth’s virtual reality work, Collisions. Kirby Shearing on Friday 11 August 2017. “It is a collision of culture, technology and “The high end, limited edition work, printed on storytelling which takes us on a virtual reality metallic paper and mounted on acrylic plates journey to the homeland of indigenous elder was auctioned over a four-course meal where Nyarri Morgan and the Martu tribe in remote Ockert and Kirby enlightened the audience as Western Australian Pilbara desert and his first, to the connection and relationship between the devastating introduction to the Western world,” images and the different courses,” he said. Ms Wong said. The story outlined Nyarri’s first taste of Western civilisation during Australia’s first atomic tests in the 1950s. “It offered us a view to what he saw, and in reflecting on this extraordinary event, Nyarri shared his perspective on the Martu way to care for the planet.” Collisions ran until 9 February 2018. 25 The Main Corner Jean McArthur, and Riddoch Art Gallery Field workers, Thailand
Women at Work, Black Ships and The Thing celebrates the history and achievements of Worn – A Collection of Kimonos women’s artistic practices throughout the state. Three exhibitions by female artists featured at Direct from the Centre of Contemporary the Riddoch Art Gallery from Friday 25 August Photography in Melbourne, Black Ships, the solo until Sunday 24 September 2017. exhibition from Melbourne artist Jane Brown The exhibition Women At Work, curated by Dr was on show in the Cathleen Edkins Gallery. Linda Marie Walker featured in the Main Gallery, The title is a translation of the Japanese word including work from Kerrie Stratford, Diana kurofune, an expression used by the Japanese Wiseman, Mary Daily, Jean McArthur, Jo Fife, for Western vessels approaching their shores. Francesca da Rimini and Yoko Kajio. The artists The term became a symbol of the end of Japan’s used a range of mediums including painting, isolationist policies and the modernisation that textiles, prints, pottery, collage, installation and began in the mid-19th century. performance. “Presented as a travelogue that interrogates “By responding in personal and skillful ways to the mechanics of history, Black Ships embodies cultural and environmental issues, including surreal aspects of culture and landscape,” Dr landscape, water, family, travel, freedom, hope Pandilovski said. and domestic crafts, their works revealed In the Margaret Scott Gallery, The Thing Worn – A different and specific practices that result from Collection of Kimonos showcased the personal tireless dedication to the production of beautiful collection of Japanese expatriate Chiaki Owen, and thoughtful artefacts,” Riddoch Art Gallery highlighting the rich history of Japanese textiles Director Dr Melentie Pandilovski said. and culture. Women At Work is part of FRAN FEST, a “Featured in this collection was a range of month long festival commemorating the 40th women’s, men’s and children’s kimonos with anniversary of The Women’s Show held in accompanying obi’s, combs, pins and other hair Adelaide in 1977. The festival reflects upon and ornaments.”
Ripley Arcade Public Art Project The artists worked on the mural over a few days as part of stage one of a two part project. The blank walls on James Street were transformed into a nature scene by two “We are going for a natural element, a macro of talented interstate artists as part of the Ripley a micro nature scene, with moths, snails, tree Arcade Public Art Project. branches and interpretive design elements running through it so it shows that there is a To enhance the cultural integrity and visual fluidity and energy that runs through things that appeal in the heart of the CBD, Council sought is often overlooked within the environment,” artist expressions of interest from artists in September EJ Zyla said. 2017 to develop contemporary public art works for the blank walls on James Street near Ripley Arcade. Rythmicolour Collective, a multi-disciplined mural based arts group from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland was selected by a panel to take on the project as a result of their portfolio of work including public and private murals throughout the country and the delivery of community Rythmicolour workshops and education based interaction. artist EJ Zyla. 26 Percy Street Public Art Project Art Installations Highlight Local History An award winning team of artists, engineers Large-scale black and white photographs and scientists from Victoria University installed from the Les Hill photographic collection 29 three-dimensional butterflies on the light were installed on the empty walls of four posts of Percy Street as part of the second buildings in the heart of the city in October installation of the Ripley Arcade and Percy 2017 as part of a project supported by the Street Public Art projects. City of Mount Gambier Creative City Cultural Fund. Skunk Control combines art, science and design and collaborated with local schools to merge Jessica Elise Designs artist Jess Tucker creativity and science into public art works for secured $12,000 in March 2017 to erect four Mount Gambier. Unpacking the science behind photographic murals through the fund which light, Skunk Control asked the students to create provides funding to artists, community groups coloured designs to be incorporated within the and non-profit community based organisations project. for projects responding to local needs and issues. “Bringing together the school designs with a special dichromatic material that refracts “I sourced images from the Les Hill different colours as the butterflies move in the photographic collection at the Mount wind, the installation has added a burst of life to Gambier Library to relate to the locations Percy Street,” City of Mount Gambier Arts and that were accepted. The final locations of the Culture Development Officer Serena Wong said. photographic murals were the Railway Lands, the alley wall alongside Canopy Interiors, the Each light post reflects designs from local schools car park wall on the Gavin McEachern building including Mulga Street Primary School, Melaleuca and the wall facing Macs Hotel on the Elders Park Primary School, Reidy Park Primary School, building,” Ms Tucker said. McDonald Park School and Mount Gambier North Primary School. The murals add to Mount Gambier’s profile as a vibrant and culturally diverse destination and Nick Athanasiou from Skunk Control said the celebrate the city’s distinct arts, culture and team was thrilled to be able to facilitate outreach heritage. programs in regional areas and include the “Often photos are just left online now, on community in their work. people’s phones or hidden away in people’s “Working with schools represents an important photo albums. We have such a rich history in part of what we do and we are excited to work Mount Gambier and an amazing collection of with school kids to make something that not only old photographs taken by Les Hill. I think this they can have ownership over, but will also enliven is so special, and I wanted people to be able and add colour to the city,” Mr Athanasiou said. to appreciate them in the locations they were “Art and science are often thought of as two taken.” completely different things, but we are pleased The talented local artist aimed to highlight that Skunk Control are merging these two areas local history to inform tourists about the heart of creativity and bringing along our schools for of town and remind locals of yesteryear. the journey. We like to think of it as the science of “It will hopefully stir memories in people, art,” Ms Wong said. and encourage the curiosity of younger generations. Collections like these often get forgotten, so I wanted to make sure that it doesn’t. We need to make sure that we not only keep our history alive, but also remember to continue to capture our city in the present.”
Artist Jess Tucker (below) with a mural on Bay Road that shows the Cave Garden in 1917.
27 Tertiary Health Education Grants Program
The Mount Gambier and District Tertiary Health Grant program continued for the 12th year in 2018, providing local students who live away from the area or travel, with a $2,000 grant to help complete their tertiary studies within the Tertiary Health Education Grants Committee Chairperson Ken Stafford (left) former grant recipient Sam Sinclair health field. and Mayor Andrew Lee. The program responds to the ongoing challenge faced by regional communities to attract and “I would have had to have chosen between retain skilled health workers. travelling to Mackay to go to my sister’s wedding Grant committee chairperson Ken Stafford said last year, or go to intensive school, so the grant the program had grown from offering five grants meant that I could do both,” he said. in 2007, to providing up to 14 grants per annum in Funding for the grant program was provided by: recent years. • City of Mount Gambier, “Over the past 12 years the grants have helped • District Council of Grant, 118 students who had to leave home for studies in • Ken and Carol Stafford, health skill areas,” Mr Stafford said. • UFS Chemist, It’s hoped that the grant recipients will return to • Flinders Rural Health SA, the region at some point after graduation to boost the number of health professionals within the • Mount Gambier & District Community Bank South East. • Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes, and During the launch of the 2018 grant round in • Private benefactors who wish to remain January, Mayor Andrew Lee spoke highly of the anonymous. value of the program. The 2018 recipients were: "The grant is the farewell gift that continues to give. It’s a reminder to our young people that they Health Science/ Jacqueline Widdison come from a community that values and cares Occupational Therapy for its people, a community that will always be a Medical Radiation Tillie Saxon place worth returning to," Mayor Lee said. Science Previous grant recipient Sam Sinclair spoke Medicine/Surgery Vimbiso Chiodze about the support that the grant provided him in Applied Science/Speech Maddison McDonald completing an Honours program in Psychology Pathology through the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales. Physiotherapy Lauren Pike “As part of my study, I have to attend mandatory Exercise Science/Clinical Brenna McKay intensives at the campus in Armidale. There’s Exercise Physiology quite a cost involved in attending week long Pharmacy Emily Frost intensives, and there are three of them over two Nursing/Midwifery Alice Telford years,” Mr Sinclair said. Psychology Eilish McKay The 28 year old used his tertiary health education Paramedic Science Tegan Modra grant to assist with travel costs for study. Medical Science Sarah Hayman
28 Broken Windows Children’s Art Presentation
The Mount Gambier Child Care Centre made “It was clear to us at the centre that the building a special presentation of images to Mayor was important to the children. Their drawings Andrew Lee in September 2017 as part of the immortalise the building as a commemorative art Broken Windows project. piece in memory of the old hospital. We thank the Stand Like Stone Foundation for helping us with A series of three creative images were developed the project,” Ms Paltridge said. by children reflecting on their interpretation of the old Mount Gambier Hospital building which stood The project aligns with the Mount Gambier abandoned with many broken windows for years, Charter for Children, which encourages the until it was finally demolished in 2013. community to listen and respond to the many voices of children. “The building was gold for children’s imaginations, and many children throughout “It’s important that our children feel they belong, Mount Gambier used to visit the old site and and are valued citizens of Mount Gambier. share their own creative ideas of what existed in It has now been years since the old hospital there and why the windows were broken,” City of disappeared from the landscape and the City of Mount Gambier Community Development Officer Mount Gambier is very pleased to accept these Alison Brash said. creative works reflecting on the history of the City,” Mayor Andrew Lee said. The Broken Windows project was one of several Children’s Perspectives of our City projects that The works are available for the public to view at local early child education groups participated in. the Mount Gambier Library. Mount Gambier Child Care Centre Director Fiona Paltridge has been a strong advocate in ensuring the perspectives of children within the community are heard and encouraged.
Mayor Andrew Lee receives the Mount Gambier Child Care Centre commemorative art piece ‘Broken Windows’. He’s pictured with Library Children’s Services Coordinator Kelly Lynch, Mount Gambier Child Care Centre Director Fiona Paltridge and children Savannah and Harlow. 29 Australia Day Awards
The City of Mount Gambier recognised outstanding community members at the annual Australia Day breakfast held at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands on Friday 26 January 2018.
Citizens of the Year Lois Bayre Peter Martin During the past 19 years Lois Bayre has provided Peter Martin has been described as a role model a significant contribution to the Cancer Council within the community. A retired diesel mechanic, of South Australia by hosting Australia’s Biggest Peter was nominated for the Citizen of the Year Morning Tea events. award for his community spirit, giving nature From humble beginnings, Lois initially invited and tireless efforts to help others. Peter provides 26 people to her house for her first morning tea assistance to those in need, running errands, fundraiser. Responding to initial interest, she providing transport, assisting others to move moved the event to St Paul’s Hall and attracted house and picks up litter in the streets during his 120 people to her first event, raising $920. daily walks. He puts others first and is willing to drop anything to help someone else and without With the assistance of a band of 12 volunteers asking for anything in return. and contributions from local businesses, Lois’ event now attracts 300 people each year. As a As a selfless member of the community, Peter is result of this work, Lois has stimulated well over acknowledged for his daily demonstration of the $100,000 in donations during the past 19 years. values attached to being a good citizen and is a A significant achievement and testament to her very worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year leadership and commitment. Award.
30 Community Event of the Year Fidler and Webb Exhibition - Members of the Mount Gambier History Group The Fidler and Webb Exhibition was a culmination of artefacts, images and stories of the department store’s 150 year history. The project involved at least two years of preparation by a passionate committee of volunteers committed to sharing the story about a local business that, for many years, played an integral role in the commercial fabric of Mount Gambier. Committee members Aileen Clarke and Margaret Brown researched and collected material for the exhibition. Their work was part of thousands of hours contributed by the Mount Gambier History Group in the delivery of the event. The opening night attracted more than 250 people and more than 1000 others visited during the 12 day exhibition, including many former employees, customers and ancestors of the Fidler and Webb families.
Young Citizen of the Year Laura Small Laura is an incredibly talented musician who has made significant contributions to our community as a performer, mentor and teacher. Relocating to Mount Gambier from Port Macquarie for the purpose of tertiary study, Laura completed a Bachelor of Jazz Composition and is currently studying a Masters of Teaching through the University of South Australia. Laura has embraced the Mount Gambier community and, over time, has inadvertently become an advocate for the region. She also gives her time freely to many community events including the Christmas parade, Carols by Candlelight, Blue Lake Fun Run, Mayfair Singers, Concert Band and City Band. She willingly shares her expertise to inspire and teach others within the community to improve their musical skills. 31 Mount Gambier Community Events
Australian Street Rod Federation The event was held at the Mount Gambier hosts the Blue Lake Nationals Showgrounds, which enabled the public to get up 23 to 25 March 2018 close and personal with the display of cars. It also provided the community with an opportunity to Mount Gambier was alive with Hot Rods of all speak with the owners of the hot rods, rat rods shapes, sizes and colours when an impressive and custom cars and learn more about what it 546 cars visited Mount Gambier for the Blue Lake takes to build the unique cars and to experience Nationals. the camaraderie among the club members. Hundreds of members of the Australian Street Members dedicated many hours to ensure their Rod Federation came from around Australia to be cars were beautifully detailed, chrome plated and part of this unique event, with many visitors from polished, with many featuring late model running Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, Northern gear and state of the art automotive engineering Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and from and technology. All cars were placed into different across the Limestone Coast. prize categories with 10 Excellence Awards up for This event was earmarked for Mount Gambier grabs. four years prior, as the Nationals are held Tours were arranged for the visitors to take their every second year. Two local residents, who are cars to Penola and the Coonawarra wine region. committee members of the Australian Street They also visited many of the caves in and around Rod Federation Terry Sparrow and Rod Storan, Mount Gambier and the Blue Lake and surrounds. dedicated a great deal of time to help make the Feast’s Classic Car Museum and Memorabilia event the huge success it was. near Port MacDonnell was a favourite stop for the visitors. Feedback from the interstate organisers, spectators and exhibitors, sponsors and Mount Gambier residents was extremely positive. Photo courtesy Scott Johncock
32 City of Mount Gambier Australian Sprintcar Championship 25 to 27 January 2018 In 2016 the Borderline Speedway committee put in a bid to host the Australian Title in Mount Gambier. Two years later and after much preparation, the 56th Australian Sprintcar Championship was held at Borderline Speedway from 25 to 27 January 2018. As the major supporter of the event City of Mount Gambier was awarded naming rights. The last time this event was held in Mount Gambier was in 1995 so the committee and local speedway Matt Egel (third place), Kerry Madsen (first place), event community was thrilled with the opportunity to Grand Marshal and Sprintcar champion Phillip March with welcome this prestigious fixture back. second placegetter James McFadden (credit: SR Photos). More than 130 of the best drivers in Australia The event was live streamed, showcasing Mount (including locals Steve Lines, Glen Sutherland, Gambier and the Borderline Speedway to racing Rory Button and Scott Enderl) signed on each fans worldwide with many tuning in from the night to race. The three nights of racing delivered United States to witness all the action of the plenty of excitement, with fast and furious action major event. from the drivers, a few spills and plenty of thrills. In preparation for the event, the hard working Kerry Madsen of St Mary’s, NSW was again committee members and volunteers spent crowned Australian number one, winning his third endless hours upgrading the track surface, Australian title in a row. Victorian based James signage, fences, seating, corporate boxes and McFadden came in second and South Australian the grassy banks that surround the entire circuit driver Matt Egel came in third. Local driver Steven resulting in the venue ranking as one of the top Lines finished in seventh, while Glen Sutherland three speedways in Australia. finished in 11th position. Overall the committee felt the event was a huge The three-night event saw crowds estimated success and something that won’t be seen in the at 15,000 in total, with the Saturday night region again for some time to come. alone attracting a crowd of 9,000 at the venue. Many visitors attended from interstate, giving a significant boost to the local economy, with many arriving a few days earlier to enjoy all that Mount Gambier has to offer. Mayor Andrew Lee with local sprintcar drivers Steve Lines (left), Rory Button, Scott Enderl and Glen Sutherland.
33 Mount Gambier Christmas Parade
Fifty seven Christmas inspired entries made 2017 Category Winners their way down Commercial Street as part of the NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Most Outstanding Entry Renal Christmas Christmas Parade held on Saturday 18 $750 Bollywood Style November 2017. Mount Gambier and District Health The Mount Gambier and District Health Service Service was named the most outstanding entry in the parade. The judges unanimously agreed that Best Christmas Theme Jesus You’re My Renal Christmas Bollywood Style was a stand out. $500 Superhero St Martin’s “We were really impressed by the colour, Lutheran College enthusiasm and wow factor of this entry in the Best School Entry At the Stable parade,” parade judge Lynne Dowling said. $500 St Martin’s Kindergarten Best Club or Community South East Animal Organisation Entry Welfare League $250 Open Category Christmas on $250 the Farm Treloar family Best Themed Band Portland Citizen’s $250 Band Encouragement Award 48th Army Cadet $250 Unit Drill Team Best Non-City Entry Compton Primary $500 School Best Brass Band The Mount Gambier $250 City Brass Band
Below: Most Outstanding Entry - Renal Christmas Bollywood Style, Mount Gambier and District Health Service.
34 In July 2017, the City of Mount Gambier proudly City of Mount Gambier Deputy Mayor and Mount announced local timber processing company Gambier Christmas Parade Advisory Group NF McDonnell and Sons as the naming rights Council representative Hanna Persello welcomes sponsor for the Mount Gambier Christmas the local support shown by the McDonnell family. Parade. “On behalf of the advisory group, I’d like to thank The sponsorship deal over the next three years NF McDonnell and Sons for their generous with an option to extend, will help support the contribution to the parade. It will go a long way annual event and provide prize money to reward towards ensuring the long running community the best community entries. event continues to thrive,” Cr Persello said. "The Christmas Parade is a great community WIN Television continues to provide in-kind event and I believe it really establishes the spirit airtime promotion to the value of more than of the Christmas season in the community,” $20,000 annually in support of the much loved NF McDonnell and Sons Managing Director Ian community event. McDonnell said. “Growing up we always looked “WIN Television is proud to have been involved in forward to the parade, as did our children and I the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade since 1974 look forward to taking our grandchildren in the and we’ll continue to support the parade for years future, so we are thrilled to be involved.” to come,” WIN Television Mount Gambier Manager The business was established at its Suttontown Kevin Cook said. site in 1956 and is now operated by third and fourth generation family members. It currently employs 110 people. “My late uncle Don McDonnell was heavily involved in the community as Mayor for 19 years and my father Les has been involved in a number of service and community organisations. As a family we would like to continue the tradition of being part of the community so this is a really good fit,” he said.
Five generations of the McDonnell family, baby Ryan (left), Ian, Shaun and Harrison McDonnell standing before an image of Newman, Les and Don McDonnell.
35 Fringe Festival
Mount Gambier came alive during the Fringe “Seeing all our events, free or ticketed, have really Festival from 24 March to 2 April 2018 as strong attendances was wonderful - it certainly 12,000 people flocked to various shows and helps build confidence for artists, venues, local performances, including the Liftoff Party and businesses and funding bodies which in turn Showcase event. will help spread the word that we are creating something special here in Mount Gambier,” Ms The Liftoff event saw a street party vibe in Adams said. Commercial Street East on Friday 24 March. The party centred around the Cave Garden which Fringe in Mount Gambier was a collaboration was filled with locals and visitors who were keen between City of Mount Gambier and Country to celebrate arts, culture, music and great food Arts SA, along with local artists and musicians from local eateries including Metro, Presto, who came together to highlight Mount Gambier Copenhagen and Jens Hotel. as a cultural destination and a community that embraces acceptance and diversity while “In the second year of Fringe Mount Gambier, we presenting entertaining, edgy and quirky content. had record numbers attend the Street Party and Cave Garden Fringe Showcase. Ticketed shows “Events like Fringe Mount Gambier don’t just were also well attended, and many were sold out happen, and it is a credit to everyone involved; which is a fantastic result,” Fringe Ambassador audiences, local businesses, artists, Council, Louise Adams said. Country Arts, schools, Adelaide Fringe media and volunteers. The enthusiasm of all these people The festivities continued on Saturday 25 March in are the seeds needed to grow a sustainable and the Cave Garden with a full program of activities exciting Arts Festival for our region,” Ms Adams curated by performers Louise Adams, Mark de said. Nys and Lewis Major which entertained locals in a family friendly atmosphere all day. “To see talented local artists perform seamlessly alongside nationally acclaimed and experienced Fringe artists from afar was thrilling. So many Photos local artists, venues and audiences pushed courtesy of themselves out of their comfort zone to embrace Tanya Ewen. Fringe and ultimately that is what a good Fringe Festival should achieve.”
36 37 National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week 21 to 27 May afternoons each week with 3D printing, data entry 2018, the City of Mount Gambier acknowledged and local history. I enjoy the diversity and the the generous contributions made by local feeling that I’m doing something worthwhile and volunteers. This year's theme 'give a little, useful,” Mr Mahoney said. change a lot' represented millions of volunteers Mr Mahoney attributes volunteering to developing nationally who make a profound impact within new self-confidence and has learned so much their respective communities. about 3D printing he is now able to teach others Hundreds of volunteers and volunteer how to make their own creations. organisations including service clubs and “I get a lot of satisfaction from volunteering at the community groups work together with Library especially from teaching others new skills. Council throughout the year to deliver events, It’s also interesting to see what the imagination of sustainability activities and beautify public others leads them to create.” spaces. Mat Wall has volunteered at the Library for about “I’m incredibly proud of the work provided by a year, assisting once a week with 3D printing, volunteers in the City and I offer a sincere thank Wacom tablets and sphero robots. Mat uses you to all our volunteers for their contribution. volunteering as a means to challenge himself and It’s also important to recognise the individuals meet new people. who informally volunteer to keep Mount Gambier great, from the sporting, cultural and service “I enjoy working with all the fabulous people and clubs to the emergency volunteers and non- learning and teaching about the diverse range government organisations, each of which provide of technology the Library has to offer. To anyone invaluable contributions to Mount Gambier as a thinking about volunteering, just do it. There resilient and robust City,” Mayor Andrew Lee said. are plenty of areas in the community seeking volunteers and there is something for everyone,” Council volunteers contribute to various areas Mr Wall said. throughout the organisation including the Library, Riddoch Art Gallery, Main Corner and events. The Library has a large dedicated team of volunteers Library volunteers Mat Wall (left) and Kelvin consisting of approximately 55 people who assist Mahoney provide training on how to use on a daily basis. This includes a group of Lioness’ the 3D digital printer. who deliver books to homes, the Friends of the Library and others who deliver to aged care facilities around Mount Gambier. Kelvin Mahoney has volunteered his time at the Mount Gambier Library for over a decade and recalls volunteering at the Library prior to the move to the new facility in 2009. Kelvin initially became a volunteer to improve his computer skills and to learn new skills after 28 years working at a local saw mill. “The best part about volunteering at the Library is meeting new people and making new friends. I assist four
38 Community Engagement and Social Inclusion
Council has a focussed Community The focus group agreed to prioritise work with Engagement & Social Inclusion Sub-committee Burrandies and the Boandik Language group to comprising: confirm correct language and appropriate design elements to be presented for consideration. This • Cr Hanna Persello (Presiding Member), work has been a collaborative approach that • Cr Mark Lovett, aligns with Councils endorsed concepts for the • Cr Penny Richardson, signage strategy to include: • Kate Amoroso (community), • Welcome/entrance signage, and • Judy Mc Kay (community), • Locational signage for the Blue Lake, Leg of Mutton Lake and the entrance/grounds of the • Dr Sue Mutton (community), and Valley Lakes. • Mel Stephenson (community). It was agreed for the second interpretative The Community Engagement and Social Inclusion stage of the signage strategy that Council work Sub-Committee has been established to with Burrandies and the Boandik Language support Council’s current and future community group to scope a project to undertake research engagement and social inclusion activities that to assist with collection, curation and content will: development for the interpretive signage. • Identify and respond to community needs, Additionally, Council acknowledged the following strengths and aspirations, important dates with programmed activities at both the Library and Main Corner/Riddoch Art • Review Council’s current community Gallery: engagement and social inclusion practices and policies, • National Sorry Day (26 May) – Display of part of National Sorry Day speech, educational • Develop community engagement and social materials and collection, inclusion strategy, and • Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) ‘Don’t • Embed engagement and social inclusion Keep History a Mystery’, practices within Council’s operations. • ‘Ted Talks and Soup’ event and themed Throughout 2017/2018 the Sub-Committee has Bookwell program and Story Time sessions, continued to formally acknowledge the traditional custodians of our land and build respectful • Exhibition of the Gooch Collection curated to partnerships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait explore the theme, Islander communities through the Reconciliation • NAIDOC Week (8 July to 15 July), Action Plan (RAP) focus group. • Cave Garden flag raising ceremony, Strong progress continues toward the development of a RAP for the City of Mount • Exclusive book launch ‘Annies’s Story - Gambier and a number of initiatives have been Growing Up Strong on Boandik country’ by activated. At its meeting in December 2017, Aunty Michelle, and Council endorsed that the proposed tourism • ‘Carriberrie’ – an Indigenous Australian song signage strategy include Bunganditj, the language and dance 3D virtual reality experience from of the Boandik, for sites of cultural significance traditional ceremonial dance and song, toward as recommended by the Elders of the RAP focus intrinsically contemporary and modern group. expressions.
39 Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
In 2017/2018 Mount Gambier’s Youth Advisory YAG members were instrumental in ensuring Group (YAG) continued to provide a fantastic that consultation activity was appropriate and sounding board for Council in responding considerate of the broad range of views and to issues affecting young people in Mount interests of young people across the city. Gambier. National Youth Week Mount Gambier The YAG organised and hosted various events 13 April - 22 April 2018 throughout the year, including a comprehensive Each year the YAG is involved in developing and Youth Week program and collected almost $3000 delivering activities as part of South Australian during the Christmas Parade for the Mount Youth Week. This year’s theme was ‘Your Future - Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Your Way’. Members of YAG also represented the interests The program incorporated five key events in of young people in the region through a variety of Mount Gambier, attracting the participation consultations throughout the year. An example of more than 650 young people. These events of this was a workshop with Commissioner for included: Children and Young People Helen Connolly, who sought input from young people in Mount • Loud in the Library - featuring local musicians, Gambier as part of a submission to the Family games, activities and food, Law Review. • Chill and Chat at Metro - music, milkshakes Youth Engagement Strategy - #MyMTG and genuine chats for young people, Members of YAG played a significant role in the • Creative writing workshops - held at the delivery of consultation activities with the broader Library, participants built their own story youth population in the development of a Youth world, Engagement Strategy for Council. • The Amazing Race - teams explored Mount Members assisted in identifying and delivering Gambier, finding clues, completing challenges consultation activities for the strategy which at pit stops, and resulted in the collation of feedback and input • Pop Culture Pursuit - pop culture movie night, from more than 600 young people. Consultation cosplay, games, art and creativity. activity included: Each event was delivered by young people, for • A launch and feedback booth at the young people, and in collaboration with local Limestone Coast Careers Expo, youth service providers and agencies. Special • Surveys - both online and handwritten, thanks to headspace for playing a significant role • Feedback chalk boards at various locations in the delivery of numerous events throughout the throughout the city, week. • A Student Leaders Roundtable held at City Hall, • Feedback sessions at various parks and recreation facilities, and • Small focus-group meetings with a range of groups and individuals across a variety of topics or interest areas.
James Freemantle (left), Lexi McLellan, Sarah Harden and Elizabeth Durbidge celebrating Youth Week at the Chill and Chat event held at Metro Café. 40 City of Mount Gambier Community Profile
About the Community Profile You can be confident about the quality of the information as it is derived from ABS data, Demographic change across Australia is analysed and presented by population experts. recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Funded by the City of Mount Gambier, the (ABS) in the Census collections every five Community profile is available at: profile.id.com. years. Population experts analyse and convert au/mount_gambier/home these raw figures into stories of place to inform Council staff, community groups, investors, About the Economic Profile business, students and the general public. The City of Mount Gambier Economic Profile The City of Mount Gambier Community Profile provides economic analysis for the City of Mount provides demographic analysis for the City and Gambier by combining 11 different datasets to its suburbs based on results from the Census of build a cohesive story of a local economy, how it is Population and Housing. The profile is updated changing and how it compares to other areas. with population estimates when the ABS releases It is a public resource designed to be used by new figures such as the annual Estimated Council staff, community groups, investors, Resident Population (ERP). business people, students and the general public. Suburb boundaries and Census questions change You can be confident about the quality of the over time, but the data is managed to ensure that information as it is derived from official sources there is an accurate time series provided for the and the most robust economic modelling, current geographic boundaries. analysed and presented by experts and funded by the City of Mount Gambier. Each data source Results for the City of Mount Gambier include is maintained with the latest series so you population, age structure, ethnicity, ancestry, can be sure you are using the most up to date religion, income, qualifications, occupations, information. employment, unemployment, disability, disadvantage, volunteering, childcare, family Results for the City of Mount Gambier include structure, household structure, housing tenure, Gross Regional Product, local jobs, local mortgage and rental payments, and the size and businesses, employment, unemployment, type of the dwellings people live in. population, building approvals, industry structure, journey to work and much more. The Community Profile presents this information in maps, tables and charts with concise factual Council encourages the use of this extensive on- commentary to answer three important line resource which is available at: profile.id.com. questions: au/mount_gambier/home 1. What are the characteristics of the people who live here? 2. How are they changing? 3. How do they compare to other areas? ESTIMATE This provides the basis for making evidence- RESIDENT based decisions about how to provide services for POPULATION the community as it changes. 2017 27,036 41 Dog and Cat Management Plan 2018 - 2023
Council is required by law to implement the Dogs and Cats Online provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act. Following changes to the Dog and Cat Council's Dog and Cat Management Plan 2018 - Management Act, all dogs and cats were required 2023 was adopted on 15 August 2017. to be microchipped from 1 July 2018. All new Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan outlines generations of dogs and cats (born after 1 July a number of areas where residents can let their 2018) must be desexed with exemptions to apply dogs off the leash for healthy exercise. for working dogs and registered breeders. These ‘off leash’ areas are: “While the new desexing requirement only affects dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018, all dogs • Hastings Cunningham Reserve, and cats had to be microchipped by this date,” • Corriedale Park, City of Mount Gambier General Inspector Derek • Don McDonnell Reserve, Ferguson said. • Blue Lake Sports Park, Microchipping is a safe and permanent way to identify dogs and cats. The procedure is quick, • Northumberland Avenue, and with no ongoing discomfort and can only be • Frew Park. carried out by a trained, authorised implanter. In all other public areas/places in the city, dogs “Registration and microchip details need to must be kept on a leash. be entered into a new online portal designed streamline dog and cat management in South Council encourages all dog owners to act Australia, replacing the 68 individual Council responsibly and ensure their pet is not allowed registers from 1 July 2018,” Mr Ferguson said. to wander at large or cause a nuisance to neighbours. The Dogs and Cats Online system is a one-stop online service for all registration payments, Dogs typically get scared during storms microchipping and breeder information and is and fireworks and dog owners should make accessible 24/7, including on mobile devices. It arrangements to secure their pets when storms allows pet owners to instantly update registration and/or fireworks are predicted or publicised. or microchip details if they move house or change phone numbers, and pay annual Council registration fees. “The changes are designed to increase the likelihood of lost or impounded dogs and cats being reunited with their owners, and reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned litters euthanised in pounds and shelters.” Visit www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au
42 General Inspector’s Report
The following statistics are provided for the Division of Inspectorial and Dog Control for the 2017/2018 year. DOG 95 Dog expiations 62 IMPOUNDMENTS Dog complaints 543 Dog impoundments 95 Dog attack reports 6 Parking offences 222 Long grass notices 262 PARKING 222 Fire permits 48 OFFENCES Cattle impoundments 0 (sheep and cows) Vehicle impoundments 1 Dog Registrations 4744 Payment to SEAWL $34,362 (provision of pound services) 262 Dog registration fees $125,408 LONG GRASS NOTICES
43 Community, Services, Lifestyle, Welfare and Wellbeing
Council provides many direct and indirect services and support to its community and in particular, to the health, welfare, lifestyle and wellbeing of its citizens. In addition to other contributions that may be referenced in this Annual Report, other direct financial support was provided by the Council in 2017/2018, including:
Care Ring telephone service $2,000 Eisteddfods (Backstage Inc.) $5,000 (Lifeline SE) Australia Day Breakfast $5,900 Youth Advisory Group and projects $6,900 Mount Gambier Gold Cup Races $3,000 Mount Gambier City Band $7,000 Suicide Prevention Network $3,000 Mount Gambier Toy Library $2,000 Cultural grants $25,000 NAIDOC Week $1,000 General community donations $32,794 Heritage Restoration Fund $17,300 Seniors Month $3,100 Stand Like Stone Foundation $3,000 Syringe Disposal Service $1,300 The Junction $1,000 Main Corner / City Hall subsidies $49,500 Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West - $1,500 Wehl Street Theatre $9,500 Careers Expo Citizenship $3,100 Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce $1,000 Christmas Parade $31,000 Business Awards Christmas Decorations $19,500 New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Mount $10,000 Gambier Community Events) Tertiary Health Education grants $22,000 Party in the Park (Rotary Mount $1,000 Limestone Coast Substance Misuse $10,000 Gambier West) Fringe in Mount Gambier $20,000 Blue Lake Fun Run $2,500
Amounts are rounded up to the nearest $100.
44 Environment
45 Clean Up Australia Day Ride2Work 2018 Day
Clean Up Australia 2018 consisted of clean City of Mount Gambier locals were urged to ups held on two days, Schools Clean Up Day join commuters across Australia and jump on Friday 2 March and the Community Clean on their bikes to celebrate Ride2Work Day on Up Australia Day on Sunday 4 March 2018. Wednesday 18 October 2017. More than 1,000 students took part in Schools City of Mount Gambier Library Technical Services Clean Up Day, cleaning up their respective Coordinator Patricia Ellis rides to work regularly school grounds and surrounding areas. and said Mount Gambier has never been more Participation in this national event helps to bike-friendly with the Rail Trail enhancing the educate children to recycle and reduce the area’s connectivity with key destinations and amount of rubbish going into landfill. attractions. The Community Clean Up Australia Day “Riding to work is a great way for people to get event involved more than 30 volunteers, active, de-stress and save money on petrol and mainly focused on the Cave Gardens area and car costs,” Ms Ellis said. Umpherston Sinkhole. Volunteers collected “Mount Gambier is the perfect place to take part a substantial amount of rubbish, consisting in Ride2Work Day, especially along the Rail Trail. mostly of drink cans/bottles and take-away It warms my heart to see so many people and food packaging. The Community Clean Up families using it together.” day was supported by the Gambier City Lions Club, who provided a barbecue lunch for all Mayor Andrew Lee encourages residents to put volunteers on the day. the wheels in motion and experience the cost savings produced by pedal power. “The RAA estimates that it costs up to $17,000 a year to run some vehicles, but it costs next to nothing for a bike, with the added bonus that this gentle form of incidental exercise is very good for your health,” Mayor Lee said.
City of Mount Gambier Library Technical Services Coordinator Patricia Ellis (left) and Mayor Andrew Lee gear up for Ride2Work Day.
Peter (left), Tom and Bethany take part in Clean Up Australia Day 2018.
46 Environmental Sustainability Highlights
Council Solar Power Projects Waste and Recycling Activities As part of its strong support for environmental The City of Mount Gambier undertook many sustainability Council now has over 171 kW of activities during the past year designed to assist solar panels across five of its sites: the community to reduce waste and do the right thing: • Aquatic Centre - 68.5 kW • Carinya Gardens - 10.4 kW • Purchased an additional 4,500 kitchen caddies and compostable bags to give to • Works Depot - 29.9 kW green waste subscribers to increase the rate • Library - 57.5 kW of food waste being diverted from landfill, • Waste Transfer Station - 5.2 kW • Ran tours of Caroline Landfill for school Together they have produced a total of over groups, 387,000 kWh of renewable electricity since the • Waste and recycling talks at schools and first system was switched on. That is equivalent community groups with interactive activities, to running an average sized South Australian • Clean outs of Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) in home for more than 60 years, and equates to over front of school groups, highlighting the litter 190 tonnes of carbon emissions. that is caught by the traps, These solar power projects have been undertaken • Conducted waste audits and bin tagging of to continue to reduce Council’s reliance on grid household bins in order to let the community electricity, deliver long-term savings on electricity know what they are doing well and where they costs, foster local renewable energy, reduce can improve, and Council’s environmental impact and emissions. • Setting up the ‘ReUse Market’ which will open Environmental Events in late 2018. The ReUse Market will be a place During 2017 and 2018 Council again participated where the community can get second hand in many environmental events: bargains on a wide variety of items. Unwanted Earth Hour good quality items can be donated through Lights were switched off at the Main Corner, City the Waste Transfer Station, to be sold at the Hall, Library, Vansittart Park, Lady Nelson Brig, ReUse Market. the Railway Lands and the Centenary Tower between 8:30pm and 9:30pm on Saturday 24 March 2018. A number of short films were also shown at the Library and Main Corner - ‘Adapting Peter, Margot Dunne and Bethany to Climate Change’, ‘Appetite for Change: A playing cards by candlelight during Journey from Planet to Plate’, film ‘Kids React to Earth Hour. Climate Change’ and ‘Tomorrow’ (Demain). Carpathon Council supported the Department for Environment and Water to run the free Carpathon fishing competition at the Valley Lake. Attendance was strong, with approximately 200 registered participants. This event was held in early 2018 to increase the chances for catching carp.
47 Valley Lake Conservation Park Native fish at the Railway Lands display garden opens In April 2017 Natural Resources South More than 42 rare and endangered plant East (NRSE) and City of Mount Gambier species are growing in the City of Mount translocated 200 Southern Pygmy Perch Gambier Valley Lake Conservation Park display (Nannoperca australis) from Pick Swamp at garden which was officially opened to the public Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park to the in August 2017. large water catchment area at the Railway Lands. The development of the garden has been a labour of love since the idea was first pitched by Nature NRSE Wetlands Conservation Ecologist Steve Glenelg Trust (NGT) in 2013. Clarke said the project aimed to take a sterile pond and make it function as a native ecological “The area selected for the park contains bush system. sand, rocks and a suitable soil type for the rare coastal plants. It was fenced off to stop kangaroos “Using suitable native fish and aquatic plants was getting in, with the assistance of unemployed a big part of this process. NRSE provided suitable young people with a disability in 2013,” City of plants, which were then nurtured over a year until Mount Gambier Conservation Park contractor they were ready to go into the pond,” Mr Clarke Orazio Cultreri said. said. Planting followed in Spring 2015, with the help of “Meanwhile, Council staff constructed special volunteers and NGT staff. cages that attach to the sides of the pond to hold native aquatic vegetation which the fish need for “The volunteers and I watered all through a hot habitat,” City of Mount Gambier Environmental summer and it was a real challenge given many Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard said. of the plants were tiny, but the hard work paid off and we had a 90 per cent survival rate,” Mr Once the habitat was in place, the Southern Cultreri said. Pygmy Perch were caught at Pick Swamp and released in the Railway Lands pond. Many of the plants grown in the garden are on the vulnerable and endangered list. Signage has been “We are happy to report that more than a year installed to provide details about the scientific later the fish are thriving and breeding in their and common names of the plants and their new habitat, which is a great outcome,” Mr Izzard habitat and conservation status. said. “One of the key varieties of species is the Both parties believe the project has been an Jumping Jack Acacia which is endangered important step in the right direction to create a throughout Australia. I regard the garden as a new home for the protected species of fish. refuge, it provides protection for our vulnerable “One of the bonuses of having fish in the pond is plants and a place where we can easily access that they will control mosquitos,” Mr Clarke said. genetic material such as seed or cuttings for future propagation.” “This project has been a great partnership between Council and NRSE,” Mr Izzard said. It’s hoped the garden will continue to evolve with The City of Mount Gambier acknowledges Steve Clarke’s additional plant varieties. contribution to this project. Council was saddened to learn “It’s all part of the whole plan for the Conservation of Steve’s passing in August 2018. Park, I’m hoping that down the track it becomes Left: City of Mount Gambier Conservation Park contractor an educational opportunity for students and Orazio Cultreri (left) and volunteers Graeme Paschke schools,” he said. and Wayne Moritz at the Valley Lake Conservation Park display garden. Below: Pygmy Perch thriving at the Railway Lands.
48 Waste Snapshot
Waste Transfer Station
Waste Bins Hard Waste E-Waste Greenwaste 619 68 95 1,275 tonnes tonnes tonnes tonnes
Kerbside Bins
Kerbside Rubbish Kerbside Recycling Kerbside Greenwaste 5,837 2,118 2,604 tonnes tonnes tonnes
Contractors Waste 16,971 tonnes
Food Waste 36% Total to Landfill 24,606 tonnes Garden Waste 9% What is in Recyclables 25% Mount Gambier’s rubbish bins? Remember: you can put food Nappies 9% scraps in your green organics bin
General Waste 21%
49 Environmental Health
Food Safety Public Health
Total food businesses currently registered 514 Registered high risk manufactured water 65 Facilities which require food safety audits 10 systems P1 (highest) Risk classified food businesses 137 Public accessible Swimming Pool and Spa 7 Inspections P2 (high) Risk classified food businesses 150 Registered Hair, Beauty and Skin Penetration 84 P3 (medium) Risk classified food businesses 159 Businesses P4 (low) Risk classified food businesses 58 2017/2018 Onsite wastewater treatment 2 Complaints received by Council system applications Alleged food poisoning 4 Complaints received by Council Food unsafe due to foreign matter 2 Accommodation standards 1 Poor personal hygiene or poor food handling 2 Air pollution / odours 3 practices Discharge of wastes / waste control 5 Food unsuitable/unsafe due to microbial 2 General health complaint or enquiry / other 4 contamination/growth Hoarding and squalor 3 Unclean premises 2 Infectious disease / notifiable disease 1 Food recall notifications received 27 Mould 3 Food safety education Public swimming pools and spa pools 2 TAFE accredited food safety short courses 4 Sanitary facilities 1 I’m Alert online non-accredited food safety 292 training - users Supported residential facilities 1 Vermin (including birds) 7 Water quality (other than public swimming 1 pools and spa pools) 514 Communicable Disease Control Branch mandatory REGISTERED notifications FOOD Highest month for Influenza - October 43 BUSINESSES
Community 292 Health NON-ACCREDITED FOOD Hazardous waste (sharps) collected at 183 kg SAFETY TRAINING USERS Civic Centre
REGISTERED HAIR, BEAUTY & SKIN PENETRATION 183KG BUSINESSES 84 SHARPS COLLECTED 50 Claret Ash Tree Acacia Kindy in Cave Garden Landfill Visit
An 80 year old Claret Ash tree in the Cave In August 2017, Acacia Kindergarten children Garden succumbed to wind gusts of more stopped the rubbish truck driver during the than 70 kilometres an hour on 18 March 2018 weekly pick up with signs that read ‘Stop! following a storm the previous evening. Where is the landfill?’ and ‘Are we allowed to visit the landfill?’ The driver put the The tree, which once stood 20 metres high, was kindergarten in touch with Environmental much loved by the community and provided Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard who visited shade on sunny days for individuals and families the students to answer their questions and took to enjoy picnics within the Cave Garden precinct. them on a site visit to the Caroline Landfill. “Council has done everything it possibly can “The young people saw for themselves what to retain this tree over the years. The tree has happens when we live a wasteful lifestyle, we always been found to be structurally sound and end up with a mountain of rubbish that really healthy, however, due to its size and age, cable shouldn’t be there,” Mr Izzard said. bracing was added to its limbs about 12 years ago to provide additional support between “Our children are becoming more aware of the multiple branches of the tree as an additional importance of recycling to reduce what is thrown safety precaution,” City of Mount Gambier City into the landfill bin so that we can slow down the Infrastructure General Manager Nick Serle said. growing rubbish mountains. They are sharing this powerful message with their families,” an Acacia In recognition of the historic value of the tree, Kindergarten representative said. Council retained the larger tree limbs during the clean up process for potential saw milling. “We plan to save as much of the timber as we can to potentially reuse in the Cave Garden or elsewhere. The smaller branches left over will be mulched and used around the city.”
Above: Acacia Kindergarten students Tayla and Jaxon play with their mock landfill space at the kindergarten. Left: Mayor Andrew Lee (centre) is pictured with former Cave Garden caretaker Fred Robinson (right), current caretaker Jamie Pearson (left) and Harlow and Harrison from the Mount Gambier Child Care Centre who helped to plant another Claret Ash tree in the Cave Garden to replace the tree that fell. 51 Stormwater Limestone Coast Bushfire Management Management Plan
The City of Mount Gambier budgeted The Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 $90,000 towards stormwater management in (FES Act 2005) requires each of the nine South 2017/2018, primarily to improve stormwater Australian Bushfire Management Committees infrastructure in order to reduce flooding and (BMC’s) to prepare and maintain a Bushfire increase the quality of water being discharged Management Area Plan (BMAP). Each BMC will back into the underground aquifer. adopt a BMAP that will: Some of the improvement projects involved the (a) Identify existing or potential risks to valuables construction of additional settlement pits and from bushfire within the BMA, drainage bores, while other projects involved the (b) Outline coordinated and cooperative bushfire reconstruction and cleanout of existing drainage prevention and mitigation strategies to infrastructure to restore the system to full achieve appropriate hazard reduction working condition. associated with bushfire management within 2017/2018 improvement works occurred at the its area, following locations: (c) Identify asset or land custodians responsible • Jane Street, for the implementation of the bushfire risk mitigation treatments, and • Elizabeth Street, (d) Use or establish principles and standards to • Heriot Street, and guide or measure the success of the bushfire • Bridges Street. management strategies and initiatives. The Limestone Coast BMAP has been approved and is available to view on the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au
Local Nuisance and Sid’s Lid Removal
Litter Control Act A huge crane lifted ‘Sid’s Lid’ to open the The Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) and empty the was phased in during 2017, making Council giant rubbish filter in the Cave Garden on 22 the relevant authority for local nuisance and May 2018. litter control in its Council area. Allowing or Mil Lel Primary School students watched the contributing to local nuisance or litter is a whole spectacle with interest, while Council crime and has costly penalties. staff explained groundwater and drainage Some common complaints of nuisance are noise, systems. smoke and littering. Council officers have investigated a number of enquiries and customer requests in relation to matters which can be addressed by the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act. To date Council has not made any prosecutions under this Act.
52 Infrastructure
53 Street Trees
Street trees are a fundamental component of an urban environment, and in general are greatly appreciated by the community. The benefits that they provide include environmental, social, health and wellbeing, economic and visual amenity. Trees also assist in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in an urban environment by providing habitat to bird life as well as improving our air quality. These characteristics support a number of objectives outlined in Council’s Community Plan. The following table provides a list of the Street Tree Plantings that were undertaken in 2018:
Common Name Botanical Name Street Name Trees Proposed Proposed Net Gain Being Removals Plantings Retained Blackwood Acacia Griffiths Street 0 0 39 39 Melanoxylon Gawler Hybrid Callistemon Vansittart Road 0 6 46 40 Bottlebrush viminalis 'Harkness' Euky Dwarf Eucalyptus Allawah Street 0 5 32 27 leucoxylon subsp.'Euky Dwarf' Euky Dwarf Eucalyptus Boucat Street 0 0 10 10 leucoxylon subsp.'Euky Dwarf' Flowering Ash Fraxinus ornus Finch Street 0 0 15 15 'Meczek' TM Flowering Ash Fraxinus ornus Kowine Court 0 0 16 16 'Meczek' TM Purple Leaf Prunus Cerasifera Harrald Street 2 3 51 48 Cherryplum 'Niagra' (South Side) Designer Cherry Prunus fruticosa Playford Street 0 6 21 15 "Globasa" TM (East Side) Capital Pear Pyrus calleryana Playford Street 0 3 25 22 'Capital' (West Side) Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana Ash Court 0 0 20 20 'Glen's Form' Chanticleer Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana Mountain Court 0 0 13 13 'Glen's Form' Chanticleer Linden Tilia Cordata Gilmore Close 0 0 25 25 'Shamrock" TM Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia Harrald Street 0 6 47 41 'Todd' (North Side) Total 2 29 360 331
54 City of Mount Gambier employees Matthew Bell (left), Rick Karsten and Amechai Bawden plant a Crepe Myrtle tree on Crouch Street South Mount Gambier.
The old Willow Myrtle trees that lined the street were removed to allow for a road and footpath upgrade. Council resolved to replace the trees with a more suitable species of tree that aligns with the requirements of SA Power Networks and SA Water’s tree planting guidelines. “Local businesses were included in the selection of the Crepe Myrtle tree as a street tree for this area and Council is extremely pleased with this selection as it will add tremendous value to the urban landscape once the trees grow over In keeping with Council’s Street Tree Policy future years,” City of Mount Gambier Manager (T120), Council replaces street trees (where Engineering, Design and Contracts Daryl Morgan practically possible) that have been removed with said. a more suitable species of tree as part of its street The trees will flower from mid-summer to early scaping upgrade works. An example of this was autumn in an abundance of pale pink flowers. the City Centre Redevelopment Infrastructure Project which included the upgrade of Crouch “The Crepe Myrtle tree is a tough small tree of Street South between Commercial Street East about five metres by four metres and grows in a and Sturt Street. In order to carry out these vase shape with a symmetrical canopy. It is best works, the removal of 13 mature Willow Myrtle suited to the site due to the narrow footpath, (Agonis flexuosa) trees along this section of the existing powerlines and infrastructure within the footpath was required. footpath,” City of Mount Gambier Engineering Technical Officer Sinaway Georgiou said. The urban renewal of Mount Gambier city centre streets continued in December 2017 as 14 Crepe Council staff also installed new pavers on the Myrtle trees were planted on Crouch Street South Crouch Street South footpath area as part of the as part of city centre redevelopment works. renewal process. 55 Infrastructure Building Fire Works Safety Committee
The City of Mount Gambier is committed The Building Fire Safety Committee (BFSC) to maintaining its road network to a high operates pursuant to the provisions of the standard. Approximately $3.1 million was spent Development Act 1993 and its primary function on road infrastructure upgrades in 2017/2018 is to: that involved projects such as: • Achieve a reasonable standard of fire safety • Road resealing works, for the occupiers of a building, • Road patching works, • Ensure minimal spread of fire and smoke, and • Reconstruction of sections of Commercial • Ensure an acceptable fire fighting Street West and East, environment. • Reconstruction of sections of North Terrace, The BFSC is made up of one Council Member Councillor Ian Von Stanke, who is also • Reconstruction of sections of Crouch Street Chairperson, a member of the Metropolitan Fire North, Service, Andrew Sharrad, Grant Riches, Level 1 • Reconstruction of sections of Webber Street, Accredited Building Surveyor, Christopher Tully, • Reconstruction of Doughty Street, City of Mount Gambier Building Officer (until the end of 2017), and now Tania Hassan, City • Reconstruction of sections of Bailey Street, of Mount Gambier Building Officer (2018 until • Reconstruction of Caldwell Street, present). • Reconstruction of sections of Elizabeth The focus of the BFSC over the past 12 months Street, was motels, gymnasiums, commercial premises • Reconstruction of Railway Terrace, and residential complexes. • CBD works such as Helen Street and Crouch The BFSC generally meets every three months or Street South paving works, as required. • Reconstruction of sections of Sturt Street, $3.1 MILLION and ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE • Construction of Blackall Laneway. UPGRADES
Boundary Roads
The City of Mount Gambier and the District • Wireless Road / Wandilo Road intersection Council of Grant share responsibility for the shoulder widening, upkeep and management of the roads that • Hawkins Road / Jubilee Highway sealing of form the boundary between the two Councils. drainage swale, In 2017/2018, each Council contributed $30,000 • McCormick Road shoulder repairs and to the boundary roads program to allow for intersection patching, maintenance works to the road network. • Attamurra Road / Houston Drive asphalt Works completed as part of the 2017/2018 patching / pavement repairs, and boundary roads program Included the following: • Grant Avenue asphalt patching / pavement repairs.
56 Lioness Club of Mount Gambier members enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Rail Trail. Penola Road Traffic Count Data
Traffic flow travelling south on Penola Road has increased by almost 40 per cent since traffic lights were installed and switched on at the Penola and Wireless Road intersection in April 2016. Traffic count data taken in February 2017, shows that the average annual daily traffic travelling north on Penola Road has increased by 25 per cent, traffic travelling west on Wireless Road has increased by 27 per cent and traffic travelling east on Wireless Road has increased by 13 per cent against data collected in 2011, prior to the installation of traffic signals. City of Mount Gambier Manager Engineering, Rail Trail Funding Boost Design and Contracts Daryl Morgan said a portion of the traffic increase can be attributed to urban In February 2018, Council welcomed a growth, but much of the increase is due to the $250,000 State Government funding boost traffic lights. to complete stage three of the Rail Trail project. “The majority of that growth is due to the traffic signals providing safer travel paths, particularly South Australian Planning Minister Hon John for vehicles on Wireless Road crossing Penola Rau approved a Planning and Development Road and also for vehicles turning right from Fund grant to enable Council to complete the Penola Road into Wireless Road,” Mr Morgan said. entire project over the next two financial years. “It has gone from a risky intersection that people “The shared walking and cycling path will used to avoid where possible due to restricted extend the trail from Jubilee Highway West to sight distance, to an intersection that motorists Wandilo Road and past Pick Avenue to Jubilee feel is easier and safer to navigate. These Highway East, to link with a walking track at statistics are proof that the long awaited project Blue Lake Sports Park, a total of 2.6 kilometres was worthwhile.” of extra path as part of stage three of the project,” Mayor Andrew Lee said. In late 2015, the City of Mount Gambier was informed that the Australian Federal Government “Council will match the State Government had made available $800,000 to assist with the contribution of $250,000 in the 2018/2019 installation of traffic signals at the Penola and financial year’s budget and we’re very happy Wireless Road intersection. Combined with a that we will soon complete the project and $200,000 State Government contribution and enable people to walk or ride through the city.” a $50,000 contribution from the City of Mount Council also received $40,000 as part of Gambier, the $1.05M was subsequently used the Department of Planning, Transport and to install the long awaited traffic signals at this Infrastructure (DPTI) State Government intersection. Bicycle Funding program to assist with “The City of Mount Gambier is proud to have been providing linkages to the existing rail trail involved in a three way funding partnership with through to Hastings Cunningham Reserve/ other spheres of government which has resulted Shepherdson Road area. in a fantastic outcome that has been long awaited “These linkages will be completed as part of by the community,” Mr Morgan said. stage two of the project.” 57 Crime Concrete Prevention Footpath Strategies Construction
Council supports crime prevention and anti- The City of Mount Gambier spent $350,000 social mitigation measures including: on the construction of an additional 2.4 kilometres of concrete paths throughout the Mount Gambier Licensing Accord city, in addition to the maintenance of paved A regular forum coordinated by Council involving areas. These projects form part of Council’s Liquor and Gaming Commissioner, SAPOL, Hotel 10 year rolling footpath program which is / Club Licensees and other key stakeholders. designed to take into account the following: Mount Gambier Dry Areas • Urban growth, Council maintains five State Government • Change in land use, approved Dry Areas within the City of Mount • Requests from ratepayers, and Gambier. • Deterioration of existing path network. The proclaimed Dry Areas are: The projects that made up the 2017/2018 • Mount Gambier City Centre (Area 1), program were: • Vansittart Park Garden (Area 2) and Vansittart • Wireless Road West Park Oval (Area 3), (Wehl Street to Perriam Street), • Dimjalla Park (Area 4), and • John Street • AF Sutton Memorial Park (Area 5). (Crouch Street to Anthony Street), CCTV Surveillance Cameras • Ferrers Street There are more than 30 surveillance cameras (Lansell Street to Lake Terrace), at various locations within Mount Gambier’s • Alexander Street City Centre. SAPOL has increased its detection (Crouch Street to Hedley Street), and and prevention capabilities using the latest • Wireless Road East technology. SAPOL identified a number of busy (Kensen Court to Aramanta Drive). locations that should be under surveillance, and where anti-social behaviour occurred regularly. In addition to the concrete paths, Council also Council has installed internet based technology installed approximately 20 new pram openings and cameras in these locations with the network to assist with the safer crossing of roads by capable of being expanded in the future. the disabled and the elderly and also spent approximately $70,000 on resurfacing existing CCTV is a useful tool to decrease anti-social bitumen footpaths. behaviour and increase public safety. Council will continue to work with SAPOL to determine areas that require the presence of increased 2.4KM OF ADDITIONAL surveillance and accordingly, will continue to CONCRETE PATHS COSTING expand on the number of cameras installed within the city to improve public safety. $350,000 The cameras are monitored by the Mount Gambier Police and it has proven to be an effective initiative. NEW PRAM 20 OPENINGS TO ASSIST ELDERLY AND DISABLED 58 Mount Gambier ReUse Market
Construction began at the Mount Gambier The offloading and storage shed and associated ReUse Market site located at 3 and 5 Eucalypt earthworks were completed in April 2018. Drive, the former salvage yard site next to the City of Mount Gambier Environmental Waste Transfer Station in January 2018. Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard said while the Thomson Bilt constructed the offloading and primary purpose of the ReUse Market facility storage shed. is to sell items for reuse, the initiative plays an important role in meeting Council’s sustainability “The $150,000 shed is 15 metres by 30 metres goals and work with the community to reduce and the undercover loading area is 30 metres unnecessary waste going to landfill. by 11 metres,” City of Mount Gambier Manager Engineering, Design and Contracts Daryl Morgan “Donating items to the ReUse Market through said. the Waste Transfer Station will reduce waste to landfill and support local jobs,” Mr Izzard said. Signage will direct people into the appropriate lane within the undercover loading area to drop Council endorsed design plans and cost off any material that can be sorted and stored for estimates for the $560,000 Mount Gambier reuse or resale or to be recycled. Reuse Market facility at the Council meeting in August 2017. The facility is on track to be “Material that has no reuse value will be operational by October 2018. deposited into the waste bins at the existing Waste Transfer Station by those dropping it off, City of Mount Gambier Manager Engineering, Design so it is important that people sort their material and Contracts Daryl Morgan with Thomson Bilt’s Craig prior to arrival so it is easier to offload either at Martinella and Anthony Pollifrone. the ReUse Market facility or the Waste Transfer Station,” Mr Morgan said.
59 Carinya Gardens Cemetery
The gardens, chapel and surrounds of Carinya Gardens continues to provide a peaceful ambience for bereavement services. We take pride in the quality of services provided to the community at Carinya Gardens. There were 480 services conducted at the cemetery during the 2017/2018 year, compared with 465 for the same period in the previous year. The cemetery undertook 114 burials compared with 125 the previous year, and a total of 366 cremations were performed compared to 340 the previous year.
60 Building Division
Throughout the past financial year, Council’s • Council building asset management activities, building division has continued to support local • Maintenance of Asbestos and Essential Safety builders and professionals to deliver its core Provisions registers, and range of services including: • Administration to Council’s Building Fire • Building rules certification of proposed Safety Committee. development, These duties are carried out under a series of • On-site audit-based inspection of regulations and statutory instruments adopted construction activities, under the Development Act 1993 and the National • Approval of occupation of commercial Construction Code. Council’s building division premises, records statistics regarding activities within the local construction industry as follows: • Project management of Council building construction works,
2017/2018 2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015 Dwellings 102 87 85 101 Dwelling additions 24 24 18 31 Outbuildings 160 155 172 181 Commercial 32 22 22 26 Industrial 4 21 13 6 Signage 15 9 9 16 Wastewater 2 2 2 0 Other 52 78 61 56 Total number of development applications 391 398 382 417 Estimated total development expenditure $47,052,940 $39,254,506 $32,562,828 $43,093,104
Bus Shelter Upgrades
In January 2018, Council installed two new bus shelters located in James Street and Allison Street Mount Gambier at a total cost of $30,000.
Right: Outdoor staff Sean Horrigan (left) and Sam Egan are pictured working on the shelter in James Street. 61 State and National Mayor Andrew Lee celebrates the Planning Awards for the national Planning Institute Australia Railway Lands (PIA) From Plan to Place award win for the Mount Gambier Railway Lands.
The Mount Gambier Railway Lands took home Gambier was three prestigious awards at the Planning commended for its Institute Australia (PIA) South Australia Awards vision and ambition for Excellence 2017 in Adelaide on Friday 17 in tackling a socially, physically, culturally and November 2017. environmentally challenged site. City of Mount Gambier representatives accepted “The Railway Lands project was deemed an the coveted overall Planning Minister’s Award exemplar of the characteristics of a great place, and also won the Plan to Place and Great Place through the quality of its planning, design and Awards for the planning and development of the construction. Most importantly, it demonstrates community project. how great places help build great communities, The annual PIA Awards for Planning Excellence providing new settings for new opportunities, that demonstrate leading practice, leadership and will continue to enhance the local way of life for achievement in planning. The Minister’s Award is years to come,” Mayor Lee said. given to the overall winner of the South Australian Awards for Planning Excellence, judged by South The Mount Gambier Railway Lands went on Australian Minister for Planning Hon John Rau. to win the National From Plan to Place Award “Minister Rau recognised the initiative, innovation at the Planning Institute Australia (PIA) and process involved in the Railway Lands National Awards for Planning Excellence project and its contribution to sustainability and 2018 held in Perth on Wednesday 9 May the enhancement of the liveability within our 2018. A PIA National Award is the highest community,” Mayor Andrew Lee said. accolade for urban and regional planners in The Plan to Place Award recognises the Australia, demonstrating leading practice and implementation of a plan into a successful place. achievement in planning. It was awarded to the City of Mount Gambier for “It is a great honour to win this award for our the evolution of the project and achievement in community,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor accomplishing positive changes as a result of Andrew Lee said. planning. Mayor Lee highlighted the vision of both current “We were commended for engaging with the and previous Councillors in planning the project community throughout the planning, design and and for the design and delivery by Council staff implementation phases of the project as well as including a focus on community engagement. the ongoing use of the Railway Lands,” City of The project was also financially supported by Mount Gambier Planning Officer Jess Porter said. the State Government to the tune of $2million. The Great Place award recognises a great place, Additional grants were received to include public street or neighbourhood. The City of Mount art that has further enhanced the Railway Lands. “This project has been recognised as best in class nationally and are all very proud of this achievement,” he said.
Cr Hanna Persello (left), Mayor Andrew Lee and Cr Penny Richardson with the three prestigious Planning Institute Australia (PIA) South Australia Awards for Excellence 20 17. 62 Council Assessment Panel
The Development Act 1993 requires all Councils The CAP holds its meetings on the third Thursday in South Australia to establish a Council of each month in the Level 1 Committee Room, 10 Assessment Panel (CAP) (previously known as Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier, commencing at Development Assessment Panel) to act as a 5:45pm (unless otherwise determined). delegate of Council. The agreed sitting fees are: The CAP’s role is to make development decisions (i) Ordinary Meetings: as a relevant authority pursuant to the Act; the CAP has sole regard to Council’s Development • Presiding Member Plan and any referral advice to determine $250 excluding GST, the merits of each proposal. During 2017 the • Other Independent Members Development Act requirements in relation to $200 excluding GST, Assessment Panels changed. • Council Member Appointees The CAP can also provide advice and reports $200 excluding GST. to Council, regarding trends, issues and other matters relating to planning and development. (ii) Special Meetings: This advice can emerge as a result of performing • Presiding Member its development assessment function and in $60 excluding GST, performing other duties as assigned by the • Other Independent Members Council. $50 excluding GST, The Development Act requires that all CAPs must • Council Member Appointees be comprised of one Independent Presiding $50 excluding GST. Member, three Independent Members and three Elected Members. All Members of the (Mrs Travers is paid a travel allowance CDAP are appointed by Council. During 2017 the to attend meetings) Development Act was amended to require CAP's (iii) Where the meeting does not require the to have a maximum of five Members, with only attendance of Members in person and can one Member of Council on the Panel. be undertaken by phone linkup due to a The CDAP ceased from 1 October 2017 when it small agenda, the minor nature of items was replaced by a new Council Assessment Panel for discussion and lack of need for site (CAP) in accordance with the provisions of the inspections, the sitting fees be as follows: Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act • Presiding Member 2016 (transitioning from the Development Act $60 excluding GST, 1993). • Other Independent Members The CAP Members for 2017/2018 were: $50 excluding GST, • Elizabeth Travers (Presiding Member), • Council Member Appointees • Emily Finnigan (resigned in November 2017), $50 excluding GST. • Peter Seebohm, • Margaret Trotter, • Cr Christian Greco (until September 2017), • Cr Mark Lovett (later replaced by Cr Des Mutton until September 2017), and • Cr Ian Von Stanke.
63 Heritage Sub-Committee
The recently formed Heritage Sub-Committee Work carried out Recommended has taken over the work carried out by the City Value of Grant of Mount Gambier Heritage Advisory Group. It plays an important role in advising Council on Repair plaster to ceiling and walls $2,000 in passage and front bedroom, the development of policies to conserve and repainting and maintenance on promote natural, built, cultural and indigenous rotten barge board and eaves heritage within the City of Mount Gambier. Remove moss build up on $300 The Heritage Sub-Committee and the former chimneys, repair wood rot and Heritage Advisory Group have been involved in paint chimneys the following activities during 2017/2018: Repair original double hung $2000 • Heritage projects (acknowledgement of window and small bathroom historical milestones), heritage education and window distribution of information to the public, Reinstate verandah $2000 • Heritage walks brochures, and Total $17,295 • Local Heritage Restoration Fund. The 2017/2018 Local Heritage Restoration Fund received 16 applications and Council endorsed The members of the Heritage Sub-Committee the following 12 applications: include: • Brian Sims, • Lynn Lowe, Work carried out Recommended Value of Grant • Brian Brooksby, Painting exterior of house and $795 • David Burt, maintenance on front windows • Alexandra Nicholson, Renovate to original state $2,000 • Ken Jones, (dwelling) Repair and replace barge boards, $2,000 • Cr Penny Richardson (Presiding Member), fascia, front door, portico. • Cr Mark Lovett, and Repair existing gable including $2,000 • Richard Woods (South East Heritage Advisor). new timberwork, repair window awnings, reinstate original Council continues to acknowledge the importance balustrade etc. of heritage to the City of Mount Gambier and the contribution made by members of the Heritage Painting and repair internal $1,000 Advisory Group. Council would also like to woodwork, salt damp and general acknowledge the sad passing of Robert Miles maintenance. who was a valued member of the City of Mount Repair windows and repair and $2,000 Gambier Heritage Advisory Group. repaint the window frames, new downpipes Repair and repaint lounge room $500 $17,295 Painting $700 GRANTED TO RESTORATION PROJECTS 64 Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Funding Proposal
Council accepted a petition signed by more than 10,000 community members in favour of the proposed $40million Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre at a Special Council meeting on Tuesday 24 April Mount Gambier Netball Association representative 2018. Scott Martin (left), Mayor Andrew Lee and Community Engagement Steering Committee member Nathan Community Engagement Steering Committee Stratford with a petition signed by more than 10,000 member Nathan Stratford presented the petition, community members. and with fellow committee member Scott Martin, “Council wishes to progress this project for the addressed Council and a full public gallery on community, it’s a centre for everyone and we want behalf of the committee and the community. to advocate for our local community members,” “The signatures on this petition show that there is Mayor Andrew Lee said. indeed support for the development of an indoor/ “The proposed project will not proceed in its outdoor sport and recreation centre for Mount current form without external grant funding, so Gambier and surrounds,” Mr Stratford said. in addition to seeking Federal funds, Council will “Mount Gambier and the region need this facility, also lobby the State Government to contribute it is so much more than just a pool. I have not at least $10million as a vital portion of funding seen the community so behind a project as they for the construction of centre. Council will also are with this one. People are very excited and provide $10million to support the project.” supportive of what could possibly happen,” Mr The continued development of a full business Martin said. case for the building and operation of the Following the deputations, Council unanimously proposed community centre now begins. endorsed the submission of an Expression of “Council endorsed funding of $80,000 to enable Interest (EOI) for $20million under the Federal more detailed architectural design, project Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for management, costings and associated work to be the proposed facility, which was due on Friday 27 prepared to satisfy the criteria of a full business April 2018. case submission,” he said. An invitation to progress to stage two of the application process by the Federal funding body is expected to be made in October 2018. “In anticipation of a favourable outcome, the Councillor Working Party will continue and will engage with a broad range of stakeholders in developing the design and functionality of the proposed centre,” Mayor Lee said.
Mount Gambier Netball Association Secretary Cath Dycer (left), Mount Gambier and District Tennis Association President Matthew Charlton, Community Engagement Steering Committee member Nathan Stratford, Mount Gambier Netball Association representative Scott Martin, Mid South East Football League President Peter Mitchell and Mount Gambier Netball Association President Yvette Holmes with the initial concept plans developed by Simply Great Leisure (SGL) for the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre. 65 $6.8million ALDI Development Approved
The City of Mount Gambier approved a $6.8million development application from ALDI to construct a supermarket, four retail outlets and extended car park at 58 Commercial Street East Mount Gambier, the site formerly occupied by the Fidler and Webb shopping complex. “The ALDI application has been assessed by Council using delegated authority as a Category 1 development and has now received development plan consent,” Mayor Andrew Lee said.
The Fidler and Webb building will be demolished Above: Mayor Andrew Lee with concept plans set to to develop a 6,944 square metre ALDI transform the derelict former Fidler and Webb shopping centre site on Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier. supermarket and four retail spaces with street frontage on Commercial Street East and a Below: ALDI’s 3D concept plan for the former Fidler walkway through to a car park with 101 spaces. and Webb shopping centre site. “We’re thrilled about this outcome and feel that it will revitalise the heart of the CBD. The old and tired building will be transformed into a new and contemporary space,” Mayor Lee said. “It’s fantastic for economic development within Mount Gambier and we expect to see many additional visitors who’d like to shop at the renowned discount supermarket.”
66 Tourism and Economic Development
67 Economic Development
Mount Gambier has a strong and diverse Projects that Council has made significant economy requiring skills, new business models, contributions to include: innovation and resilience to respond to • Continuing work with the Department of emerging opportunities. Industry and Skills to provide infrastructure Using the following strategic reports: for access to high speed internet, • The City Growth Strategy, • Establishment of the New Venture Institute (NVI) of Flinders University Innovation Hub to • Tourism and Visitor Information Services encourage skills development, Review, • Working with Tourism Mount Gambier to • 2017 Mount Gambier Tourism Data Collection, develop and promote tourism in the region and particularly through the new Discover Mount • The City of Mount Gambier Signage Strategy, Gambier website, Council endorsed an implementation framework • Building digital skills through workshops with identifying priorities and timelines for progressive tourism operators, action over the coming years. Though economic • Sponsorship and support for many events development benefits can be difficult to measure, that provide employment for local workers the rewards contribute to a diverse industry base and which also enrich our community, and encourage job growth across the community. Providing favourable conditions for economic • Linking with the South Australian Tourism development requires commitment over time and Commission (SATC) to promote destination partnerships with other agencies and levels of and experience based marketing, and government. • Ongoing development of initiatives that Council works collaboratively with the Limestone encourage touring routes from Adelaide Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) through to Victoria. and the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Limestone Coast, Tourism Mount Gambier, the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce, Country Arts SA and Councils in Western Victoria on various initiatives.
68 Events and Contribution to Economic Development
A report presented to Council at its February The report summarises larger recurring annual 2018 meeting highlighted that for an annual events, or those that bring a higher number of investment of $401,033 (financial and in- visitors to Mount Gambier. kind) to support local events, the return is “Council’s contribution provides for significant conservatively estimated at $13,880,000 in returns that flow to the community, far in excess economic benefits to Mount Gambier. of the dollars and staffing resources allocated to City of Mount Gambier General Manager City events,” she said. Growth Dr Judy Nagy said Council has a solid “Though it is not possible to determine some history of supporting many community and factors with complete accuracy, outcomes special events that deliver both community and indicate that about half of the Council sponsored economic benefits, however, evidence of the events attract visitors and the other half are outcomes can be difficult to quantify. staged for our local people. Events are not “The report shows an estimate of the number of just about attracting visitors to the region people involved in any event, with a prediction of with opportunities for the community to come the percentage of visitors who would potentially together providing important contributions to stay overnight and utilises a standard dollar wellbeing and social cohesion.” multiplier value for overnight stays,” Dr Nagy said. Some of the Council sponsored events included in the analysis were: the Australian Sprintcar Championships, Red Hot Summer Tour, Australia Day Awards and Breakfast, Autofest, Limestone Coast Opera, Mount Gambier Fringe Festival, Generations in Jazz, 100 Mile Classic, Pedal Prix Carnival, Tour of the Great South Coast, Mount Gambier Christmas Parade, Brass Band Festival and the Blue Lake Fun Run.
Photo courtesy of Tanya Ewen 69 Mount Gambier City Growth Strategy
The Mount Gambier City Growth Strategy 2017 - 2027 will inform the development of an implementation strategy to lead, promote and facilitate economic development and support local people through the provision of employment, income and services during the next decade. The ACIL Allen Consulting report lists 24 short, The 10 recommended priorities include: medium and longer term recommendations with Building Human Capital 10 priority areas for consideration. The strategy was endorsed by Council on Tuesday 15 August • Implement a comprehensive migration 20 17. strategy with a focus on increasing inter- State, intra-State and overseas migration. The report highlights three industry sectors likely to offer the greatest potential for future • Investigate with the South Australian growth, including: tourism, events and the arts, Government the opportunity to increase agribusiness and clean green economy and health public sector employment in the City of and community services. Mount Gambier by 500 people over the next 10 years. “It’s expected there will be an increase in domestic and international tourism with a focus Role of Council and Infrastructure on food and wine tourism, arts, culture, events • Develop a comprehensive and targeted and natural assets. We also need to capitalise China, India and ASEAN engagement strategy on the region’s natural resources, renewable with the community, business, tourism and energy, forestry, agriculture, cattle and seafood education sectors aimed at increasing trade, to add value, attract investment and build new migration, investment and bilateral relations businesses. Within the health and community in culture and the arts. services sector there will be growth in health and aged care and leverage opportunities from • Develop a Mount Gambier Economic population ageing,” Mayor Andrew Lee said. Development Fund to invest in key economic development projects and infrastructure over The report recognises that the Mount Gambier the next 10 years. economy will be underpinned by the growth of existing and new small to medium sized Supporting Business businesses, including retail and professional • Work with the Regional Development Australia services. To facilitate growth within these sectors, (RDA) Limestone Coast to undertake a skills the city will focus on key enablers. profile of existing businesses and map the “Enablers include building human capital, such future skills needed for key growth sectors as skills, participation, entrepreneurship and and develop a comprehensive workforce innovation, supporting business and facilitating development plan to address the training, the growth of new innovative businesses to upskilling and future workforce development attract investment, investing in economic needs to support future growth in key sectors. infrastructure.” • Undertake a feasibility study on the costs, funding and business model for the establishment of a Mount Gambier Business Hub and leverage State and Federal support and services provided by universities.
70 Federal Government backs Flinders University Business Incubator Proposal
In October 2017 the Federal Government announced its commitment to provide $500,000 to support the Flinders University New Venture Institute (NVI) proposal to the Australian Government’s Incubator Support The City of Mount Gambier regularly hosts Chinese Initiative at AusIndustry. guests and delegations looking to invest in the region. It followed Council’s decision in April 2017 to lead by example and endorse a commitment • Develop a comprehensive marketing of $100,000 to support the proposal to campaign including prospectuses and drive business and technology and foster materials to promote the competitive regional development. The incubator project strengths of the City and opportunities for will provide the ability to link with global business, migration, tourism and future networks, experienced mentors and provide a investment. springboard for co-working and business hub • Provide leadership and support to the development to aid sustainability over the long implementation of the Tourism Mount term. Gambier Strategy. The incubator project is also supported by • Implement the Digital Strategy and Action the South Australian Government including Plan for the City of Mount Gambier to better $150,000 in funding committed by the promote tourism opportunities in Mount Department of State Development to the Gambier, develop content and connectivity NVI proposal for infrastructure costs via the with key domestic and international markets. GigCity project. $500,000 has also been allocated to facilitate access to high speed • Continue to actively participate in and internet in the Mount Gambier CBD to ensure monitor developments in the South Australian that the business innovation hub has superior energy policy, advocating for Mount Gambier connectivity for research and development. as a potential incubator and pilot site for new ventures in renewables. The eNVIsion Incubator is a collaborative, co-working space connecting small business “In many ways there are no real surprises to a global network and expertise including here. It’s pleasing to see that there are strong startup and innovation programs to help synergies with other recently completed reports entrepreneurs achieve their goals. including Council’s digital strategy and action plan, the Economic Scorecard, Futures Paper and City of Mount Gambier is proud to support Community Plan 2016-2020.” eNVIsion Limestone Coast New Venture Institute. The local incubator was officially Council recognises that it will need to play launched by Federal Minister for Small an increasingly important role in economic and Family Business, the Workplace and development in the future in order to implement Deregulation Hon Craig Laundy at its location the City Growth Strategy. on James Street in Mount Gambier on 8 June “However, it’s important to note that Council 2018. will not be able to fully implement the strategy on its own. Full implementation will require strong cooperation between key community stakeholders and those at a State and Federal level to deliver on a shared economic development vision,” Mayor Lee said. 71 Business Tech Show Success
More than 50 local businesses and community members attended the first City of Mount Gambier Business Tech Show at the Main Corner, King’s Floor on Friday 8 September 2017. City of Mount Gambier Tourism and Economic Development Manager Donna Foster said the event provided local businesses with an opportunity to learn more about emerging technologies and connectivity with assistance from experts in the field. Bush Repair’s Katrina Jones and Polaris Business and Innovation Centre Digital Business Advisor Rhys Moult “It was clear that local businesses are embracing discuss digital platforms at the Business Tech Show. the future of technology and what that might mean for their business,” Ms Foster said Polaris Business and Innovation Centre Digital Business Advisor Rhys Moult was on hand to “We thank our special guest South Australian provide specialised guidance and tech advice to Minister for Science and Information Economy interested businesses. Hon Kyam Maher for being part of the event, as well as local businesses Optus, Telstra, GTE, “I spoke to eight businesses who are very TDRS, Harvey Norman, Di-Monty Training interested in progression within the digital space Solutions, Exchange Printers Office National, and are actively looking to engage,” Mr Moult said. AusIndustry, Mount Gambier Chamber of Supported by the City of Mount Gambier, Mr Commerce, Women in Business, Regional Moult later returned to the region to conduct Development Australia Limestone Coast, Genesis digital audits as part of the Digital Growth Creative and Synet,” Ms Foster said. Program funded by the South Australian Government, Department of State Development. The event also provided an opportunity for local businesses to show off their wares and promote their services.
Mayor Andrew Lee (left) and South Australian Minister for Science and Information Economy Hon Kyam Maher test out the virtual reality headsets at the Business Tech Show at the Main Corner, King’s Floor. 72 Mount Gambier Visitor Centre 82,216 Total visitor enquiries 2017/2018
Origin Unknown Local 19.26% 18.20%
International 8.84% Intrastate 17.90%
700 68 Interstate VISITORS VISITORS 35.80% Busiest Day Quietest Day 29 December 2017 30 June 2018
Total Visitors 2,486,717 since opening
Christmas Easter Visitation Visitation 8,237 5,861 1,427 Bus enquiries 7,211 Tickets sold
3,190 Likes 1,033 @discovermountgambier Information packs prepared and distributed
73 Tourism Mount Gambier Discover Website Launched
Tourism Mount Gambier’s new visitor website “It is an exciting time in Mount Gambier as we went live in October 2017. The state of the art actively start to market our region and develop online space discovermountgambier.com.au new visitor products and experiences. This is designed as a one-stop shop to attract website has been designed to showcase the visitors and showcase Mount Gambier and the region and is the first step in taking our message surrounding area. that Mount Gambier is a must visit destination to The website highlights the range of experiences the world,” Mr Comley said. a visitor can have in the area and features Tourism and Economic Development Manager spectacular images taken by local photographer Donna Foster said the website highlights Ockert Le Roux. experiences to draw people in. “It’s an outstanding website that is very evocative “Mount Gambier is in a perfect spot, midway with a depth of information that we’re convinced between Adelaide and Melbourne, with a depth will encourage visitors to stay another day and of experiences within a short drive. Whether it further investigate the area,” Tourism Mount is exploring the amazing geological wonders Gambier Chair Kent Comley said. of the limestones caves, sinkholes and lakes The website aims to encourage visitors to make or experiencing the award winning wines and Mount Gambier their base during their stay and dining experience across the region, including the venture out to explore the region. Coonawarra wine district, we have it all and now we’re sharing it,” Ms Foster said. “The feed from the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse ensures there is access to all the information people might need to plan their holiday. The site also has integrated features that allow blogs and events to be written and submitted easily,” he said. The website is a key deliverable for the peak tourism industry body.
74 New City Entrance Billboards
The four Mount Gambier entrance signs were rejuvenated with new imagery in November 2017. The signs highlight Umpherston Sinkhole on Jubilee Highway, the Cave Garden on Millicent Road, Centenary Tower on Nelson Road and the Blue Lake on Penola Road in line with Discover Mount Gambier tourism branding. “The images where chosen to align with the look and feel of the website. We are proud of the fact that we have one location and unlimited experiences and the images reflect the beauty of our natural assets,” Tourism and Economic Development Manager Donna Foster said. “The old signs were erected in the early 2000s and were long overdue for replacement.” The new 4600mm by 2800mm aluminum composite panels feature full digital prints and protective UV laminate, installed by Hyland Fox Above: David Fox (left), Todd Wilson-Smith and Richard Horrigan put up the new billboard showcasing Signs. the iconic Blue Lake on Penola Road, Mount Gambier. “The original frames are solid so we retained the post structure and replaced the skins with a high quality, durable and cost effective product,” Hyland Fox owner David Fox said. “It was exciting to be part of this project, the Below: Centenary Tower entrance billboard located on Nelson Road. images really liven up the entrances to town and make a big difference. Hopefully they will encourage tourists to have more of a look around when they are here.”
75 Visitor Centre ‘Pop Out’ Brochure
Local tourism experiences come alive with 'off-canvas' experience. The combined artwork the newly installed ‘pop out’ brochure on and display harness educational elements and show at the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre, encourage visits to various sites around Mount featuring works by local artist Mel Cecotti. Gambier and the Limestone Coast,” Tourism and Economic Development Manager Donna Foster The ‘pop out’ brochure is a new installation said. at the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre to encourage fun and engaging interaction. The The quirky concept aims to take a different ‘brochure in art’ concept provides a taste of approach to sharing visitor information and the region to encourage the visitor to explore encourages visitors to talk to the centre staff the area. about what they want to see and do in the region. “This exciting and fun display features caves, sinkholes, sea and vineyards and utilises vibrant colours and quirky materials for an
76 There are multiple artworks by artist Mel Cecotti of Psycotti Art including ‘Simo’, ‘Stevie the Scuba Diver’ and ‘Ducks’. “Simo is a fun take on the extinct short faced kangaroo whose footprints lead out of the cave and cheekily ‘photobombs’ anyone who takes a selfie photo on the designated seat,” Ms Cecotti said. “The piece titled ‘Ducks’ encourages interaction with nature with a message about not feeding bread to ducks and wildlife while ‘Stevie the Scuba Diver’ prompts people to think about underwater activities including cave diving at sites like Kilsby Sinkhole,” Ms Cecotti said. “There is something for all ages and the display includes hidden gems that can be found throughout the art including the flowers of each of the Australian states,” Ms Foster said.
Artist Mel Cecotti (left), Ben Deering and Manager Tourism and Economic Development Donna Foster are ‘photobombed’ by ‘Simo’. 77 Flag Flies Again Over Iconic Centenary Tower
The City of Mount Gambier flag flew over the Mr Deering sees the historic building with fresh iconic Centenary Tower once again on Australia eyes and plans to make the most of the beautiful Day 2018 as a new caretaker re-opened the surrounding view by promoting the area to locals historic building and tourism hot spot. and tourists on social media. Centenary Tower was first opened in 1904, “It comes back to perspective, you get blind to its but was closed to the public in recent years as beauty when you have something this pretty on Council had struggled to find a suitable person your doorstep and all it takes is visiting the tower interested in fulfilling the caretaker role. and you think, ‘this is pretty cool’. Adelaide born mobile travel agent Ben Deering, “I’ve got a drone, so we’ll look at providing aerial a new Mount Gambier resident, was appointed portrait photos of people on the balcony of the caretaker for six months on a trial basis after tower as souvenirs. You used to buy a tea towel, initially being intrigued by the building for more or a pin, but now you get a photo or a selfie for than a decade when visiting the city regularly with Instagram and Facebook and tag it to share with family. others,” he said. “My wife Tanya is originally from Mount Gambier Centenary Tower is located 190 metres above and while visiting, I wondered why we hadn’t been sea level and provides the best views of the city, able to look in the tower. Everyone told me that countryside and the volcanic landscape. when the flag is flying you could go up there, and “On a clear day, you can see as far as 35 I said, ‘when is that? Who has a key to the Tower?’ kilometres with a 360 degree view. You can Mr Deering said. see the Blue Lake, all the way down to Port Now that he has the key and is living locally, he’s MacDonnell and the view of farm land goes on for using his extensive experience in the tourism miles. There’s not much that makes people stop industry to rejuvenate the popular tourist spot. to take something in, but these views do.” “We have found the flag and weather permitting, Council staff assisted Mr Deering to prepare for we’re open three days a week and at least one day re-opening day on Friday 26 January 2018. on the weekends.” “Council staff have done a phenomenal job with the maintenance and getting the tower up to scratch for opening day, I’m very appreciative of their help,” he said. “It’s a great time, everyone wants Mount Gambier to take it up a notch and we all care about showcasing our city at its best.”
Centenary Tower caretaker Ben Deering.
78 “These exchanges are critical for our region, adding to our cultural competence International Teacher and benefitting our innovation and trade Exchange Program opportunities,” Mr Mezinec said. City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee said Mooted while discussions are still preliminary, there is a general consensus that inbound teacher delegations can be effectively handled across the entire Limestone Coast education system Following strengthening relationships with collaboratively, between private and public Chinese Friendship Cities Baotou, Inner schools. Mongolia and Lu’an Anhui Province, the City of “This diversifies the experience for the delegation Mount Gambier facilitated a series of meetings and spreads the workload across more schools,” in 2017 with the local education sector to Mayor Andrew Lee said. explore potential teacher exchanges. Department for Education and Child Development Early in 2017, Tenison Woods College hosted Education Director Adam Box said the schools a group of 20 teachers as part of an inbound and kindergartens throughout the Limestone delegation from Baotou. The college provided a Coast are fortunate to have positive and effective range of education based experiences including working relationships with Council, leading to classroom observation, teaching and learning improved outcomes for local children. methodology and also tours around the region. “The schools within the Blue Lake partnership are “The college is very excited about teacher very keen to explore the possible options further exchanges and the intercultural and pedagogical in regards to hosting a visit from a Chinese learnings which evolve. Bringing together delegation. We are confident that this delegation educators from our two countries has been a would lead to a rich experience for our educators, highlight of the college year, and paves the way parents, schools and most importantly our for strong relationships between our two cities,” children,” Mr Box said. Tenison Woods College Principal David Mezinec said. As discussions continue, there may also be an opportunity for local teachers to visit Baotou Following the success of the teacher delegation, and Lu’an to gain an appreciation of the Chinese additional opportunities to cooperate with education system and provide opportunities for international exchange programs were discussed English Language teaching. during Council’s delegation to Baotou and Lu’an in March 2017 and also during the business “This is a wonderful opportunity to foster deep delegation to China in October 2017 attended mutual relationships. The more we can develop by Tenison Woods College International Student relationships that are based on student, teacher Coordinator Annie Clifford and Enrolment and even parent exchanges, the better it will be Registrar Tracey Davey. for the outcomes of our endeavours and the type of globally astute young people we develop,” Mr Mezinec said.
The Mongolian teachers cultural study group visit the Civic Centre. 79 Regional Business Delegation in China
The City of Mount Gambier continues to “An arrangement that assists with the reduction build on Friendship Agreements established in import duty in line with the CHAFTA treaty with Baotou, Inner Mongolia and Lu’an, Anhui and acts as a highly credible clearing agency Province in 2016 for potential cooperation will provide confidence for our local red meat within the areas of agriculture, innovation and producers to venture into the Lu’an region.” education. “The next step is to start talking to our local During a 13 day Regional Business Delegation to red meat producers and abattoirs that have an China in October 2017, the focus shifted from just interest in the China market. One local Lu’an meat product export and distribution to include the wholesaler imports 40 containers per year, and delivery of services, including sheep and cattle expressed interest in looking to Australian beef genetics, livestock and fodder management, as an option for at least half these imports,” Mr dairy training, technology transfer, premium food Rodda said. distribution and education. Naracoorte based sheep geneticist Doctor Colin The delegation was supported by the Limestone Earl has supplied genetics to China during the Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA), past ten years and took part in the delegation to representing the seven councils throughout further expand his business opportunities. the region and Regional Development Australia “China is truly a country on the move and we (RDA). The simple philosophy is that what is good must endeavour to be part of this. I believe for the region is good for Mount Gambier and vice the trip will open up new opportunities for versa. me as business in China always involves both Led by City of Mount Gambier CEO Mark government and private entities and I was able to McShane and Manager Investment Attraction meet both sectors,” Dr Earl said. and International Engagement Bruce Rodda, Dr Earl plans to return to China to assist with it included agriculturalists and mixed farming flock improvement. property owners George Beck and Sam Croser, sheep geneticist Colin Earl, Bully’s Meat CEO “This is a major outcome as it will see us assisting Chris Bullen, Tenison Woods College International Baotou to lift the quality of genetics in their flocks Student Coordinator Annie Clifford and Enrolment of sheep and eventually lead to live export for Registrar Tracey Davey. The delegation was also genetics and flock improvement, flown out of supported by education and agricultural import Melbourne as a monthly order,” Mr Rodda said. agents in China. The delegation further strengthened executive to “The China Engagement Strategy is working executive relationships with government officials for us and we’re gaining traction. We have been present at all delegation visits, including the recruiting a ‘coalition of the willing’ throughout Baotou City Modern Agricultural and Husbandry the region who are using the bridge that we’ve Science Innovation Service Centre, the Inner built with our Friendship City relations that are Mongolia Little Lamb Company Logistic Facility continuing to strengthen. Baotou and Lu’an and the Inner Mongolia Knight Dairy Company. have got the message that we are there to do “Lu’an’s dairy industry wishes to work with TAFE business,” Mr Rodda said. SA to offer a customised dairy education rural In a major coup, Keppel Logistics one of the certificate, offering a great opportunity we’ll largest warehouse managers in the world, continue to explore in the coming months.” has offered to act as an agent and broker for Limestone Coast businesses to get their products into its major distribution centre in Lu’an.
80 The first Mount Gambier based Grow Systems Australia moving gully system will be installed in Hefei 40 minutes from Lu’an and will serve as a demonstration plant. “There is real interest from a company in Lu’an to replicate this in the future as they wish to grow high quality herbs,” Mr Rodda said. Crop improvement and fodder management for livestock is an opportunity the Limestone Coast could capitalise on in the near future. George Beck (left), Mark McShane, Colin Earl, Annie Clifford, Bruce Rodda and Sam Croser in Lu’an as part of “China has difficulty in growing enough fodder the Regional Business Delegation. for their large dairies and currently still source large quantities of hay from the USA. There’s an opportunity for assistance with fodder conservation and soil remediation.” “What is encouraging about this visit, our second for the year, is the governments of both cities strong support for our engagement program. By shifting the focus to the delivery of services that will ultimately lift their agricultural output, we are assisting them to address a major regional problem. This visit developed a new level of cooperation and was a real win for us,” Mr Rodda said. Tenison Woods College took part in the delegation to explore the possibility of short term teacher study tours throughout the Limestone Coast, in addition to short term student study tours and exchanges and full time international student enrolments. “It provided an inside look at how middle schools operate as well as their expectations and teaching methods when it comes to the English language. We will be hosting students from Baotou in February 2018 and there is also interest in teacher/student exchanges,” Tenison Woods College International Student Coordinator Annie Clifford said. 81 Ghost Mushrooms
Throughout the month of May 2018, the Mount The Ghost Mushrooms are seasonal, first Gambier Visitor Centre was open after dark to appearing in early May and finishing by mid- host a display of glowing Ghost Mushrooms, June. Their soft green glow can only be seen at providing a taste of Ghost Mushroom Lane in night in a dark environment. The indoor display the pine forest near Glencoe. has been carefully created to provide a forestry environment, with a narrative played to provide Ghost Mushrooms (Omphalotus nidiformis) were the audience with background and biological discovered locally by Ockert Le Roux, whose information on the mushroom. Each week fresh curiosity led him to work with ForestrySA and One mushrooms were harvested and delivered to the Forty One Plantations to create a unique tourism Visitor Centre by Forestry SA. opportunity. The Ghost Mushroom display is a joint initiative In 2017 18,000 people visited the inaugural forest between the Visitor Centre, Forestry SA and trail initiative leading to the glowing mushrooms. Tourism Mount Gambier. This year the concept has expanded to include organised tours in the forest and an inside display at the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre. “The success of the Ghost Mushroom program 18,000 in its first year was astounding and this indoor display provides an opportunity for those less PEOPLE VISITED GHOST mobile and unable to walk in the dark forest MUSHROOM LANE IN 2017 the chance to see this phenomenon up close,” Tourism and Economic Development Manager Donna Foster said.
Photo courtesy of ForestrySA 82 Governance
83 Community Internal Review Land of Council Actions
Council: Council has adopted a formal policy and procedure ‘C290 – Internal Review of Council’s • Is required to have in place Community Land Decisions’ in accordance with the requirements Management Plans for all of its land that of Section 270 of the Local Government Act has been classified as 'Community Land' in 1999. accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1999, The policy and procedure was reviewed by Council in March 2017. • Receives land from new subdivisions (usually in the form of reserves, screening reserves, The procedure is one aspect of Council’s drainage reserves and roads). Roads are customer-focused approach to service delivery. It excluded from the definition of Community provides the opportunity for any person to seek a Land, and review of a Council decision, the manner in which Council provides services to the community and • Periodically prepares and adopts Community to identify areas for improvement. Land Management Plans for new community land parcels and reviews its existing The Internal Review of Council Decisions Management Plans for community land procedure applies to all formal requests for parcels as the need arises. review of decisions of Council, its employees or other persons acting on behalf of Council, Also, any land acquired by Council (eg. by direct except in instances where specific procedures are purchase) is classified as Community Land unless prescribed in the Local Government Act 1999 or excluded prior to acquisition. Typically, any land other relevant legislation where these alternative purchased or held for operational purposes review processes will be followed. (eg. car parking, depots) is excluded from the Community Land classification. Section 270(8) of the Act requires Council to initiate and consider on an annual basis, and to When Council receives new Community Land it include in the Annual Report, a report that relates undertakes public consultation, in accordance to the: with the Local Government Act, prior to adopting a Management Plan. • Number of applications received under the provisions of Section 270, There were no Community Land Management Plans adopted by Council during the 2017/2018 • Kinds of matters to which the applications financial year. relate, and Council’s Community Land Management Plans • Outcome of applications. are available for inspection at the Council Office. On 21 August 2018, Strategic Standing Committee Report No. AR18/29829 reported that during the 2017/2018 Financial Year no formal applications were received in relation to Section 270 of the Act or Council’s Internal Review of Council’s Decisions Policy.
84 Council Policies
Council has adopted a wide range of Policies Current Council Policies and a range of other to assist in its administrative decision making registers and documents required by legislation processes. are available on the Council website www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au and at the Council The following Policy Index lists all current Council Office. Policies as at 30 June 2018. Council Policies and Registers are periodically reviewed over the term of the Council to ensure they remain up to date with legislative requirements, Council and community expectation and emerging practices in local government.
City Infrastructure B150 Building - Sewer Connections, Waste Management Control and the Provision of Toilet Facilities C355 Council Land - Irrigation E135 Encroachments - Protection of Public during Building/Maintenance Work E500 Provision of Council Resources to Support the Emergency Services in Emergencies F110 Fencing Costs - Contributions by Council F175 Footways and Crossovers F190 Footways - Paving in City Centre Zone R270 Road Openings and Reinstatments S115 Fencing and Stormwater Retention Basins T120 Tree Policy W115 Waste Management - Receival of Waste - Caroline Landfill W125 Waste Management - Refuse Collection Council Business Services B300 Budget Framework C200 Request for Service and Complaint C290 Internal Review of Council's Decisions C375 Council Vehicles - Provision and Replacement of F225 Fraud and Corruption Prevention P155 Privacy P415 Prudential Management P420 Procurement and Disposal of Land and Assets R105 Rates - Rating R130 Rates - General Matters
85 Council Policies
Council Business Services (continued) R155 Rates - Rate Rebate R180 Records Management R200 Community Land (Reserves) Lease/Licence/Rental Arrangements R305 Risk Management Framework S140 Street Numbering T150 Treasury Management City Growth A170 Advertising and Signage A240 Assemblies and Events on Streets and other Council Land A515 Animal Control - Dog A520 Animal Control C120 Cemeteries - Carinya Gardens and Lake Terrace Cemetery D140 Development Act - Delegations D150 Development Act - Building Inspection D160 Development Act - Inspection and Copying of Documents E240 Expiation Notices - Cancellation or Waiver F125 City Burning Policy F135 Flammable Undergrowth F500 Footways and Council Land - Removal of Objects F505 Footways and Council Land - Sales of Commodities F510 Footways and Council Land - Fundraising and Promotion L130 Land Divisions L230 Licensed Premises O110 Order Making P135 Planning - Entertainment Venues S120 Street Signs - Directional, Tourist and other Scenic Facility Signs S135 Streets - Naming of T110 Taxi Regulation Community Wellbeing A270 Australia Day Awards C140 Main Corner Complex - Hire D230 Donations - Authority to Approve Requests
86 Council Policies
Community Wellbeing (continued) H120 Historical Matters - Collection of H125 Historical Matters - Copyright - 'The Les Hill Photographic Collection' P195 Community Consultation and Engagement Council and Committees C305 Caretaker Policy C320 Council Chamber and Reception Area - Use of C410 Conduct of Meetings (s92 Code of Practice s90(8a)) E115 Elections - Council Entitlement to Vote F140 Flag Protocol M130 Media - Statements on behalf of Council M205 Members - Mayor - Anniversary Messages M225 Members - Service Recognition M240 Members - Access to Information M265 Members - Complaint Handling M270 Members - Mayor Seeking Legal Advice M405 Members - Allowances, Reimbursements, Benefits and Facilities M500 Members - Training and Development S400 Supplementary Elections V140 Visits by Parliamentary/Governmental Representatives Chief Executive Officer C700 Corporate Branding and Identity E200 Employees - Service Awards - Gifts at Resignation or Retirement S175 Safe Environment W150 Whistleblowers Protection
87 Freedom of Information By-Laws Statement
Council had the following By-laws in operation An information statement in accordance during the 2017/2018 year: with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 is published by the City By-law No. 1 Permits and Penalties of Mount Gambier and is available to view on Council’s website By-law No. 2 Local Government Land www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au By-law No. 3 Roads Freedom of Information Applications By-law No. 4 Moveable Signs Inquiries or requests for information under the By-law No. 5 Dogs Freedom of Information Act 1991 should be forwarded to: By-law No. 6 Taxi Regulation Manager Executive Administration City of Mount Gambier By-laws are available on the Council website PO Box 56 www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au Mount Gambier SA 5290 A review of By-laws was conducted during the The City of Mount Gambier received and 2017/2018 financial year. Replacement By-laws determined two applications under the Freedom numbered 1-5 were adopted on 19 June 2018 and of Information Act 1991 during the 2017/2018 commence in operation from 5 November 2018.
By-law No. 6 Taxi Regulation will expire on 1 Number of applications 2 January, 2019 with Council unable to make Number of Applications carried over from 0 a replacement By-law following changes to 2016/2017 state legislation. Taxis will operate under state jurisdiction from 1 January 2019. Full access granted 1 Access refused 1 Fees not paid 0 Documents otherwise available 0 Incomplete (as at 30 June 2018) 0 Applications for Internal Review 0 Decision confirmed 0
88 Elector Representation Review
Schedule 4 of the Local Government Act 1999 requires Council to publish in its Annual Report a statement of: • The Council’s representation quota, • The average representation quota for councils of a similar size and type (taking into account various factors prescribed by the regulations), • When the Council next intends to conduct a review under Chapter 3 Part 1 Division 2, and • The procedures that are available under Chapter 3 for electors to make submissions on representation under this Act. The following provides the required statements.
Select Outer Metropolitan & Regional Councils Composition & Elector Ratio (as at February 2018)
Council Members Electors Elector Ratio Murray Bridge 10 14,372 1:1,437 Barossa 12 17,555 1:1,462 Whyalla 10 15,247 1:1,524 Gawler 11 17,4 9 5 1:1,590 Mount Gambier 11 19,466 1:1,769 Port Lincoln 11 10,445 1:949 Port Augusta 10 9,507 1:957 Mount Barker 11 24,228 1:2,202 Adelaide Hills 13 29,582 1:2,275
Section 12(4) of the Act outlines that a Council • The future elected body of Council comprise must ensure that all aspects of the composition eight Area Councillors and the Mayor. of the Council are comprehensively reviewed at The new Council composition from November least once every eight years. 2018 comprising 9 Members will provide an Council last conducted an Elector Representation elector ratio of 1:2,163. Review during the 2016/2017 year with the The next scheduled representation review for the following Council composition to apply from the City of Mount Gambier is expected to be around November 2018 Local Government Elections: 2024/2025. • The principal member of Council continue to be a Mayor elected by the community, • The Council area not be divided into wards (i.e. retain the existing ‘no wards’ structure), and
89 Confidentiality Provisions
Council is required to report on the use of confidentiality provisions under subsections 90(2) and 91(7) of the Local Government Act. The following tables provide the information required to be published for the 2017/2018 financial year: Use of Section 90(2) Orders to Exclude Public and Section 90(3) Grounds
Grounds Section 90(3) No. of S90(2) of No. made Orders of Affairs (a) Personal Person Commercial (b) Advantage Secret Trade (c) Prejudice (d) Position Commercial Council of Security (e) Employees Members (f) Law of Maintenance any not Breach (g) Does or Court Law Advice (h) Legal take may (i) Litigation place by (j) provided Info or Minister Crown (k) Tenders (m) DPA’s (n) FOI
Totals 19 12 3 - 2 - 5 - - 1 1 - - -
Use of Section 91(7) Orders to Keep Documents Confidential
No. of S91(7) No. of S91(7) Orders that Expired, No. of S91(7) Orders remaining operative Orders made Ceased to apply or were revoked at 30th June 2015 19 16* 29^
* Includes expired, ceased and revoked Orders from previous financial years. ^ Includes 13 Orders that remain operative from previous financial years.
90 Confidentiality Provisions
Council Meeting Dates, Subject, s90(3) Grounds and Status (as at 30 June 2018) of s91(7) Orders associated with the use of confidentiality provisions during the 2017/2018 financial year.
Date of Subject of S90(2) Order S90(3) S91(7) Order Meeting Grounds Status (as at 30th June 2018) 19-Jun-18 Item 17.11 Architectural Expression of Interest for the Mount Gambier (b) Current Regional Sport and Recreation Centre - Report No. AR18/23408 19-Jun-18 Item 17.8 Council update on recycling Contract Variation – June 2018 - (d) Expired Report No. AR18/23145 19-Jun-18 Item 17.5 Illegal Development – Cessation of the Storage of Scrap (a) & (f) Current Items, Goods and Materials on the Subject Property No. AR18/21507 19-Jun-18 Item 17.2 Illegal Development - Report No. AR18/21607 (a) & (f) Current 15-May-18 Council Update on Recycling Issues and Options - May 2018 - Report (d) Expired No. AR18/16676 15-May-18 Item 17.2 Illegal Development - Development constructed at variance (a) & (f) Current to the Development Approval - Report No. AR18/16548 17-Apr-18 Item 17.11 Illegal Development and Intervention Order - Report No. (a) & (f) Current AR18/12877 17-Apr-18 Item 17.8 Condition of Property - Report No. AR18/12359 (a) & (f) Current 17-Apr-18 Item 17.5 Sale of land for non-payment of Rates - Report No. (a) Current PR18/2387 17-Apr-18 Item 17.2 Surplus Government Property Notice - Report No. (j) Current AR18/12667 21-Feb-18 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PERFORMANCE REVIEW – Discussion (a) Current regarding Chief Executive Officer’s KPI’s for 2018 - Ref. PERS 16-Jan-18 Item 18 Discussion regarding Draft Report received from AME (a) Current Recruitment KPI’s 16-Jan-18 Item 19 Discussion regarding Chief Executive Officer KPI’s (a) Current 21-Nov-17 Item 17.5 Report No. AR17/47214 – Surplus Government Property (b) Current Notice 21-Nov-17 Item 17.2 Legal Action - 1/29 Willow Avenue, Mount Gambier - EMT (i) Current Holdings Pty Ltd - Report No. AR17/44088 17-Oct-17 7 Eucalypt Drive - Commercial Lease - Report No. AR17/37588 (b) Expired 19-Sep-17 Item 7.8 Sale of Land for non-payment of Rates - Report No. (a) Current AR17/31763 19-Sep-17 Item 7.5 Sale of Land for non-payment of Rates - Report No. (a) Current AR17/31762 19-Sep-17 Item 7.2 Sale of Land for non-payment of Rates - Report No. (a) Current AR17/31728
91 Member Allowances and Reimbursements
Since the 2010 Local Government general Council also approved various other elections, Elected Member allowances reimbursements of expenses and support to have been determined by an Independent Members in accordance with Section 77 of the Remuneration Tribunal in accordance with Act which includes: Section 76 of the Local Government Act 1999. • Travelling expenses (outside of Council area In making its determination, the Tribunal must only), have regard to: • Child/dependent care expenses, • The role of Members of Council as Members • Conference/seminar/training expense, of the Council’s governing body and as representatives of the area, • Business cards, • The size, population and revenue of the • Mobile computing devices, Council and any relevant economic, social, • Mobile data plan, demographic and regional factors in the • Corporate attire, Council area, • Mobile phone (Mayor only), • That an allowance is not intended to amount to a salary for a Member, • Office and executive assistance (Mayor only), and • That an allowance should reflect the nature of • Motor vehicle (Mayor only). a Member’s office, and For details including limitations and conditions • That provisions of the Local Government Act associated with Council approved expense provide for reimbursement of expenses of reimbursements refer to Council Policy M405 Members. – Members – Allowances, Re-imbursements, Section 76 further provides for allowances Benefits and Facilities adopted by Council to be adjusted annually to reflect changes in following the November 2014 Local Government the consumer price index. Elected Members Election. The Policy is available from Council’s allowances for the City of Mount Gambier from 15 website. November 2017 are as follows: Note: Council Group 2 Classification • Sitting fees for the Audit Committee: (out of 5 groups) • An Independent person on the Audit Committee receives Group 2 Base is $16,576 $100 per meeting or $50 for any special meeting, • An Independent Presiding Member of the Audit Mayoral Allowance 4 times $16,576 = Committee receives $150 per meeting or $100 for any $65,304 special meeting, and • Council Elected Members on the Audit Committee Deputy Mayoral 1.25 times the $16,576 = receive no sitting fee. Allowance $20,720 • All Member Allowances are paid monthly (two weeks in advance/two weeks in arrears). For efficiency, allowances Presiding Member of As for Deputy Mayoral are via Electronic Funds Transfer direct to the Elected Prescribed Committee Allowance $20,720 Member’s bank account. • A Council Member is entitled to decline payment of the Members $16,576 allowance (see Section 76 (7) of the Act), but it must still be recorded in the Register. • The Allowances set out in the Remuneration Tribunal Determination are adjusted annually on the first, second and third anniversaries of the 2014 Local Government elections to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index as defined at section 76 (15) of the Local Government Act 1999. 92 Member Training and Development
The Local Government Act 1999 and Council’s Elected Member Training and Regulations require mandatory training for Development Policies were reviewed during the Elected Members in accordance with the Local 2015 year and a replacement Elected Member Government Association Training Standards Training and Development Policy M500 was under the following headings: adopted by Council in December 2015. • Introduction to Local Government, The replacement policy introduced three training/ development categories (Local Training, SA Local • Legal Responsibilities, Government Association Training, Conferences • Council and Committee Meeting Procedures, and Meetings (Adelaide based), and Other and Training) and an Application and Evaluation • Financial Management and Reporting. Pro-Forma to enable Elected Members to make application to attend and to report on the nature, Following the 2014 Local Government Elections, benefits and feedback on LGA and other training Council conducted a comprehensive Elected attendances. Member Development Program for the newly- elected Council that addressed the mandatory training requirements.
During 2017/2018, Elected Members were provided with the opportunity to participate in a varied program of training programs, workshops and briefings covering the following subject matter:
Commercial Kitchen and Chief Executive Officer KPI's Limestone Coast Local Government Association Presentation City Growth Strategy and Dog and Cat Management Heritage Sub Committee Board City Growth Development City Growth and Fund My Neighbourhood Federal Government Select Committee and Tennis SA Presentation Recreation Centre Bentley Effect SAPOL/Tourism Mount Gambier Quarterly Update/ Signage Presentation Community Engagement and Social Inclusion Limestone Coast Protection Alliance / Beach Energy Youth Engagement Strategy and Culture and Heritage Stand Like Stone Foundation / Planning Reforms / Plan By-Law Review 2018/2019 Budget Second Youth Engagement Strategy and Culture and Heritage Plan Fires - Clean Air Burning on Domestic and Non Mobile Food Vendors Amendment Act 2017 / Budget Domestic Premises / Cats By-Law and GIG City and Workshop NVI Update Signage Strategy LCLGA 2018/2019 Business Plan and Draft Budget Regional Sporting and Recreation Centre NVI Update and Integrated Strategies (Two briefings)
93 Member Training and Development
LGA General Meetings and various sessions/ conferences attended:
Mayor/Chairperson SEGRA Forum - National Joint Forum Economic Development Conference 2017 LGA Conference Members Strategy and AGM Review Session 2018 Council Next Indoor Sport and Practice Showcase and Recreation Facility Site LGA OGM Visits 2018 ALGA National 2018 Waste Management General Assembly Summit
The 2017/2018 Budget allocation for Elected Member Training and Development was $17,000 and an amount of $9253.71 was expended for this purpose.
94 Finance
95 Financial Performance - South Australian Local Government Grants Commission Data
Grants Commission Pursuant to the Local Government Act, all South Australian councils are required to submit an The South Australian Local Government Grants annual information return along with their audited Commission (SALGGC) is an independent annual financial statements to the Commission. statutory authority established under the From this information, the South Australian Local South Australian Local Government Grants Government Grants Commission prepares and Commission Act 1992. The members are distributes a range of comparative data on each appointed on a part-time basis by the Governor. council, commonly referred to as the Grants The SALGGC makes recommendations to the Commission database reports. Minister for State/Local Government Relations A sample of relevant data from the Grants for the distribution of Commonwealth financial Commission reports has been extracted and assistance grants. assembled in ‘Time Series’ format and includes All funds allocated by the Commonwealth are financial data relative to the City of Mount distributed to councils. Grants distributed should Gambier for the past five financial years. The Time compensate councils for differences between the Series reports have been arranged under the costs of providing services and revenue raising following headings: capacity. Grants for local governing authorities • Employee/Operating, (councils) in South Australia are distributed in accordance with National Principles set by the • Financial, and Commonwealth Local Government (Financial • Assets. Assistance) Act 1995. Councils may choose to have higher or lower levels of service according The SA Local Government Grants Commission to their own priorities. The Grants are untied and website includes other database reports for the may be spent according to community priorities. Local Government sector for the 2016/2017 financial year. Refer to www.dpti.sa.gov.au/local_ The Commission aims to equalise councils govt/LGGC financial capacity to provide a similar level of service to their communities. Equalisation refers to the financial capacity of the council, it does not mean that the level of service must be equal.
96 Financial Performance - South Australian Local Government Grants Commission Data
SA Local Government Grants Commission database time series reports
Employee / Operating
Ye a r Employees Employee Operating Operating Operating full time costs expenditure revenue surplus employment (deficit) $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 2012/2013 116 8,318 22,153 22,452 299 2013/2014 118 8,772 23,408 22,740 (668) 2014/2015 116 9,197 25,065 26,110 1,045 2015/2016 122 10,066 25,961 25,411 (550) 2016/2017 123 10,728 28,496 30,347 1,851
Financial Ye a r Total liabilities $’000 Total financial assets $’000 Net financial liabilities $’000 Total equity $’000 Operating surplus ratio (%) Net financial ratio liability (%) Asset sustainability (%) ratio
2012/2013 7,070 2,072 4,998 189,053 2 23 85 2013/2014 9,418 2,459 6,959 188,222 (4) 31 107 2014/2015 9,453 2,645 6,808 223,581 (2) 27 53 2015/2016 8,650 2,217 6,433 228,028 (2.2) 25 57 2016/2017 12,834 4,417 8,417 219,872 6.1 28 62
Assets Ye a r Cash / cash equivalent $’000 Other receivables $’000 Inventories $’000 Land $’000 Buildings $’000 Infrastructure $’000 Plant / equipment $’000 Other assets $’000 Total assets $’000
2012/2013 675 1,397 40 41,188 87,340 58,186 4,627 2,670 196,123 2013/2014 1,173 1,286 37 40,858 86,810 60,343 4,749 2,384 1 97,69 0 2014/2015 969 1,676 40 40,818 87,89 1 94,772 4,648 2,220 233,034 2015/2016 991 1,22 39 41,617 88,005 97,906 5,158 1,736 235,678 2016/2017 3,028 1,389 32 51,780 67,967 99,188 5,540 3,782 232,706
97 Strategic Financial Management and Sustainability
Our focus has been on the development of an Integrated Planning and Budgeting Framework. A holistic approach to ensure Council’s functions, services and programs are aligned to meet the needs and expectations of Council and our community as articulated in the Community Plan 2016-2020 and related strategies and initiatives. The following represents a summary of the Framework:
COUNCIL
Strategic Directions 2016-2020
Key Performance Indicators Financial (KPIs) Management
(Legislative requirements and business Infrastructure Long Term as usual are not listed separately as Asset Management Financial Plan they are included in the relevant section Plans (IAMP) (LTFP) above)
Annual Budget
This integrated approach ensures that our strategic directions can be translated and cascaded into financial terms and guide the direction of Council in a financially sustainable manner over a period of at least ten years. The Long Term Financial Plan provides a comprehensive understanding of the impacts decisions made today have on our future.
Key Indicators 2017/2018
Local Govt. LTFP 2017/2018 2017/2018 target target for Budget Financial 2017/2018 target statements (actual) % % % % Operating Surplus Ratio (OSR) 0 - 10 0 0 6 Net Financial Liabilities Ratio (NFLR) 0 - 100 27 33 17 Asset Sustainability Ratio (ASR) 90 - 110 71 74 72
98 Strategic Financial Management and Sustainability
Council has maintained strategic financial Our IAMP significantly influences the LTFP. discipline with the 2017/2018 budget being The IAMP focuses on future expenditure for new prepared and materially reflective of the assets and the renewal of existing assets over a financial indicators in line with the Long Term period of at least 10 years. It also encompasses Financial Plan. planned and reactive maintenance of our assets. Council’s OSR sits within the Local Government Council’s LTFP and IAMP are reviewed target range of 0 – 10%. As shown by the NFLR, periodically in accordance with legislative Council has very low level of financial liabilities requirements and are available from Council’s (borrowings). The actual ASR for the financial website www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au year of 72% is materially consistent with Council’s budget target of 74%. Council is working towards its actual ASR sitting within the Local Government target range by embarking on a robust review of its Asset Management Framework. Council operates within a philosophy of continuous improvement including service reviews, process improvements and project management disciplines. This philosophy assists with managing, operating and sustaining Council’s finances in a complex and dynamic economic, political and fiscal environment. Looking forward 12 months, Council plans to complete a robust review and refinement of its: • Asset Management Framework – managing assets through capability and knowledge, and • Long Term Financial Plan – targeted financial sustainability through alignment and understanding. This will underpin and assist Council to be optimally placed and ensure we deliver on our strategic and long term financial objectives.
99 Fixed Asset Snapshot
TOTAL ASSET VALUE $247M
465 142 OPEN SPACE 2 CEMETERIES 236KM DRAINAGE RESERVES SEALED BORES ROADS
138KM SEALED PATHS
2 SKATE PARKS LAND & BUILDINGS INFRASTRUCTURE $118M $116M
PLANT & EQUIPMENT
1 AQUATIC CENTRE OTHER $13M
OTHER $1.7M 41 BUS SHELTERS THE RIDDOCH ART COLLECTION 109 BUILDINGS $3.4M 1,090 CATALOGUED ITEMS
39 PLAYGROUNDS
100 Budget Analysis
The City of Mount Gambier’s Annual Business • Maintaining support for community based Plan and Budget (ABP&B) includes statements programs and initiatives, and of the planned strategies, program and • Retaining and developing Council’s workforce financial outcomes for the financial year and to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and are developed with reference to the Council's: capacity to deliver on Council's plans. • Community (Strategic) Plan, Budget • Long Term Financial Plan, and 2017/2018 budgeted expenditure consisted of: • Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan. Operating Expenditure $26,690,000 Development of our ABP&B is a fundamental component within our Integrated Planning and Non-Operating Expenditure $690,000 Budgeting Framework. The framework links Capital Expenditure $6,883,000 Council's strategic suite of documents including the strategies, plans and initiatives with our The 2017/2018 budget proposed to spend a budgeting process ensuring alignment and an total of $33.6 million (made up of operating and optimal mix of services, programs, infrastructure capital) on the delivery of all Council services and facilities are delivered with the LTFP and and programs, maintenance of assets and the budget parameters. development of new or upgraded assets. The ABP&B defines our objectives for the 2017/2018 budgeted revenue, to fund Council’s financial year, the services, programs and budgeted expenditure, consisted of: activities required to deliver these objectives, and how we will monitor and measure our Operating Revenue $27,023,000 performance. The ABP&B contains a summary of known revenue and expenses required to Non-Operating Revenue $7,080,000 deliver the services, programs and activities and is developed within our commitment to Operating expenditure budgeted increase was financial sustainability and longer term financial $689,000 or 2.65% on 2016/2017. In comparison, planning. It describes the impact on rates and the operating revenue increased by $1,101,000 or implications for our ratepayers. 4.25% resulting in a minor budgeted operating surplus of $333,000. With non-operating and Key aspects of the 2017/2018 ABP&B included: capital revenues and expenses included, Council’s • Continued focus on achieving the vision overall cash surplus was budgeted at $409,000. expressed in Council’s adopted Community Plan 2016-2020, • Major focus on economic development including tourism, innovation hub, regional commercial hub, • Supporting the hosting of specialist major events and conferences, • Continued development of Council's infrastructure and assets, • Capital infrastructure program of approximately $4.26 million (new and renewal), • Maintaining our extensive public realm assets and infrastructure,
101 Budget Analysis
2017/2018 Budget initiatives Key components within Council’s 2017/2018 budget are summarised in the following table.
Expenditure $’000 Revenue Function/Activity $ ‘000 Operating Capital Administration Rates (General and NRM levy) - - 20,685 Grants Commission General Purpose Grant - - 2,251 Road Grants - - 393 Community Services General community support and donations 153 - - Public conveniences 260 - - Community amenities (including the Main Corner) 578 50 85 Cultural Services Library operating 1,955 1360 212 Cultural venues 373 115 120 Heritage 496 10 24 Art Gallery 377 - 200 Community celebrations, parades and programs 176 - - Economic Regional development 548 - - Tourism – development, events and promotion 693 - - Tourism – Visitor Information Centre 766 - 313 Environment Waste management 3,099 - 2,760 Storm water drainage 120 90 Street cleaning / sweeping 353 - 50 Street lighting 525 - - Streetscaping 192 40 - Environmental sustainability initiatives 157 50 - Recreation Parks, gardens, reserves 1,352 765 82 Sport facilities - indoor and outdoor 267 26 67 Aquatic Centre 255 26 -
102 Budget Analysis
Expenditure $’000 Revenue Function/Activity $ ‘000 Operating Capital Recreation (continued) Parks, gardens, reserves 1,352 765 82 Sport facilities - indoor and outdoor 267 26 67 Aquatic Centre 255 26 - Regulatory Dog control 307 - 152 Building control 295 - 90 City planning 298 - 105 Health and parking control 229 - 31 Transport/Engineering Plant and machinery (replacement and operating) 1,005 1,369 - Footpath / curbing - annual maintenance program 340 848 - Road infrastructure 258 2,157 - Unclassified Property Maintenance Program 150 347 - Finance charges – interest on loan(s) 372 - - Asset disposal (i.e. trade ins) - - 274 Grant funding - - 295 Non-operating Non - Non - Operating Operating Annual borrowing program - - -l Loan repayment - principal 690 - - Asset disposal (i.e. trade-ins) - - 309 Grant funding - - 130
Note: Council’s Annual Business Plan and Budget is available from Council’s website www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au
103 Procurement Policy and Process
Council’s Procurement and Disposal of Land The procurement process for tenders, expression and Assets Policy (P420) complies with section of interests and formal quotes assists Council 49 of the Local Government Act 1999. The to achieve the best available outcome for our principles of the policy are consistent with Community. state and national codes and standards for Procurement Snapshot procurement. Review of the policy is completed every two years unless the need arises earlier to maintain currency and in line with best practice. PROCUREMENT PROCESS NEW ASSET PLANNING CONTRACTS DISPOSAL 12 4. 1. 22
3. 2. EVALUATION COMPETITIVE CONTRACT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AWARD TENDERS OF WHICH
Effective management of the procurement lifecycle is fundamental to Council achieving 70% and delivering outcomes that are on time, within budget and in accordance with specifications. WERE We undertake procurement activities in a way AWARDED that: LOCALLY • Encourages openness and fairness, • Ensures probity, accountability and transparency, REQUESTS FOR • Obtains value for money (not measured by EXPRESSION price alone), OF INTEREST 4 • Supports environmentally safe and National Competition Policy sustainable practices, Principles of competitive neutrality are designed • Appropriately manages risks, to neutralise any net competitive advantage • Complies with all relevant legislation, that a government or local government agency, engaged in significant business activities, would • Promotes efficient purchasing practices and otherwise have, by virtue of control by the continuous improvement, government or local government, over private • Encourages the use of local goods and business operating in the same market. During services, and the financial year Council did not: • Aligns with our strategic asset management • Commence or cease any significant business plan, long term financial plan and budget. activities. • Receive any complaints alleging a breach of competitive neutrality. 104 Residential Rates Comparison
The Australian Classification of Local SA councils categorised as 'Urban' (regional or Governments (ACLG) categorises councils fringe) have been used in the table below for using the population, population density comparative purposes. and the proportion of the population that is In 2016/2017 the City of Mount Gambier classified as urban for the council. residential rates per rateable property ($1,197) All Local Governments who receive general was equivalent to 84.4% of the State average purpose financial assistance grants via the Grants ($1,417), 15.6% below the State average. Commission are classified according to ACLG In the previous financial year (2015/2016) this categories. These categories are defined as: figure was 79% of the State average or 21% below URS: Urban Regional Small the State average. URM: Urban Regional Medium UFS: Urban Fringe Small The majority of other SA councils are classified in 'Rural' or 'Urban' large (metro) categories.
Council ACLG Population Total Rates as % Residential (ERP) 2017 Rates of Revenue Rates/ Residential Property $’000 $ Alexandrina UFS 26,775 36,719 84 1,790 Barossa UFS 24,544 28,365 75 1,629 Gawler UFS 23,547 20,593 77 1,773 Mount Barker URM 34,643 35,264 80 1,826 Mount Gambier URS 27,012 19,672 65 1,197 Murray Bridge URS 21,770 22,802 61 1,648 Port Augusta URS 14,284 18,085 45 1,736 Port Lincoln URS 14,650 13,416 67 1,543 Victor Harbor URS 15,180 19,935 76 1,821 Whyalla URS 21,997 19,863 61 1,479
105 Residential Rates Implications Comparison for Rates
Total income from rates To deliver its infrastructure, services, programs and activities in 2017/2018, Council approved $ Amount paid % paid electronically electronically an increase in the overall general gross rate revenue equivalent to 4.5% over the general 2017/ 19,608m $16,265m 83% 2018 gross rate revenue raised in the preceding financial year. 2016/ 18.764m $13,560m 72% 2017 This overall percentage increase is offset by the effect of 'growth' (i.e. new developments, new assessments) that occurred during the previous year. This growth is estimated to be equivalent to TOTAL RATEPAYERS a 0.48% benefit in general rate revenue which will REGISTERED provide a cushioning offset to the 4.5% rate rise. TO RECEIVE Ratepayers experienced an average 4.02% RATES NOTICES increase in rates, subject to individual ratable ELECTRONICALLY property assessment details. For the average residential ratepayer, this equated to an 2017/2018 estimated $44 per annum (84c per week) 3,009 increase in Council rates, bringing the average annual residential rates to $1,145 to assist in 2016/2017 funding the 2017/2018 budget. 940 Council’s residential rating effort continues to be below the average residential rates for South 2015/2016 480 Australian councils as indicated in comparative data provided by the SA Local Government Association Rates Data Report (2016/2017): RATES OUTSTANDING AS AT JUNE 30 Average for SA metro councils $1,548 Average for SA rural councils $1,306 2018 2017 2016 2015 2.21% 2.47% 2.48% 2.69% Average for City of Mount Gambier $1,145
106 Auditor and Audit Committee
Council is required under Section 128 of the The auditor will provide the opinions to the: Local Government Act 1999 to appoint a (a) Principal Member of the Council, and suitably qualified person as its external auditor. The auditor will be appointed by the Council (b) Council's Audit Committee. on the recommendation of the Council's Audit Following a competitive tendering process, Committee and must be a: Council appointed the firm Galpins as Council’s (a) Registered company auditor, or external auditors for a five year term from the financial year 2016/2017 to 2020/2021 inclusive. (b) Firm comprising at least one registered company auditor. Pursuant to Section 128(9) of the Local Government Act 1999, Council must include in its The auditor of Council must undertake an audit of Annual Report details of the remuneration paid to the: its external auditor for work performed during the (a) Council's financial statements within a review year. reasonable time after the statements are In compliance with Section 128(9), Council referred to the auditor for the audit (and, in advises that during the 2017/2018 financial year: any event, unless there is good reason for a longer period, within 2 months after the • The sum of $6,000 (ex GST) was paid for the referral), and interim annual audit of the Council’s internal controls, and (b) Controls exercised by the Council during the relevant financial year in relation to • The sum of $12,100 (ex GST) was paid for the the receipt, expenditure and investment annual audit of statutory financial records and of money, the acquisition and disposal of related specific purpose statements for the property and the incurring of liabilities. 2016/2017 financial year audit. The auditor must provide to the Council an: Council's Audit Committee held four meetings during the 2017/2018 financial year, two of which (a) Audit opinion with respect to the financial were attended by Galpins assigned Audit Partner. statements, and (b) Audit opinion as to whether the controls audited are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the financial transactions of the council have been conducted properly and in accordance with law.
107 Selected General Statistics
Area 3,388 ha or 34 km² Length of Roads 229 km Number of Properties coded Residential 12,147 Population Density 7.97 persons per hectare Median Age 40 Unemployment (March 2018) 6.7% Capital Value (June 2018) $3,259,233,035 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) $1.44 billion
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Electors on the House of Assembly Role 18,379 18,345 18,874 19,408 19,270
Population Change • Report to Council or the Police any acts of vandalism, graffiti or damage to any public The population of Mount Gambier City over the or private property. Remember you are a years: 'shareholder' in your City. Ye a r Population Ye a r Population • Report to Council any dangerous pot holes in 1961 15,388 2006 23,922 roads or footpaths. 1966 17,146 2011 25,257 • Take your visitors for a walk through our 1971 17,934 2013 26,092 (ABS – ERP) parks, gardens, the Crater Lakes area, Cave 1976 19,292 2014 26,246 Garden, Umpherston Sinkhole, around the (ABS – ERP) Blue Lake and public facilities such as the 1991 19,880 2015 26,348 Main Corner, Library and Mount Gambier (ABS – ERP) Visitor Centre. Show them that you are proud 1992 20,813 2016 26,993 of your City. (ABS – ERP) 2001 22,720 2017 27,03 6 • If you see any of Council's road works safety (ABS – ERP) signs down, please stand them up or report to ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics Council. ERP: Estimated Resident Population • Report to SA Power Networks at How you can help www.sapowernetworks.com.au on 13 12 61 or to Council, any street lights which are not What you can do as a public minded citizen to working. make your City a better place: You have a duty to yourself and the community to • Keep any overhanging branches from your keep your property clean and tidy at all times. The property over the footpath neatly trimmed to simple commitment to the presentation of your a minimum height of 2.2m above the footpath. property will make you a good neighbour and a • Report street trees that require trimming for good citizen. safe sight distance and safe to walk under. We owe it to our community to play our part in • Care for your own street footpath. Some making Mount Gambier the tidiest and friendliest residents are unable to. Can you assist them? City in Australia.
12,147 PROPERTIES 229km LENGTH OF ROADS CODED RESIDENTIAL
108 General Purpose Financial Reports for the year ended 30 June 2018
Table of Contents
Council Certificate 110 Principal Financial Statements Statement of Comprehensive Income 111 Statement of Financial Position 112 Statement of Changes in Equity 113 Statement of Cash Flows 114
Notes to, and forming part of, the Principal Financial Statements Note 1 Significant accounting policies 115 Note 2 Income 120 Note 3 Expenses 122 Note 4 Gain & (loss) on asset disposal 123 Note 5 Current assets 124 Note 6 Non-current assets 124 Note 7 Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment 125 Note 8 Liabilities 130 Note 9 Reserves 131 Note 10 Reconciliation to Cash Flow Statement 133 Note 11 Functions 134 Note 12 Financial instruments 136 Note 13 Financial indicators 139 Note 14 Uniform presentation of finances 140 Note 15 Operating leases 141 Note 16 Superannuation 142 Note 17 Contingencies & assets & liabilities not recognised 143 Note 18 Related party disclosure 144
Council Certificate of Audit Independence 145 Audit Report - Financial Statements 146 Audit Report - Internal Controls 148 Audit Certificate of Audit Independence 150
109 110 Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2018
Notes 2018 2017 $'000 $'000 INCOME Rates 2 20,597 19,672 Statutory charges 2 447 421 User charges 2 4,484 4,515 Grants, subsidies and contributions 2 3,906 4,858 Investment income 2 62 35 Reimbursements 2 83 196 Other income 2 522 650 Total income 30,101 30,347
EXPENSES Employee costs 3 11,033 10,728 Materials, contracts & other expenses 3 10,023 10,168 Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 3 7,004 7,331 Finance costs 3 236 269 Total expenses 28,296 28,496
OPERATING SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) 1,805 1,851
Asset disposal & fair value adjustments 4 (243) 48 Amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets 2 445 2,189 Physical resources received free of charge 2 463 1,213 NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) transferred to Equity Statement 2,470 5,301
Other comprehensive income Amounts which will not be reclassified subsequently to operating result Changes in revaluation surplus - infrastructure, property, plant & 9 21,108 (13,457) equipment Impairment (expense) / recoupments offset to asset revaluation reserve 9 (1,215) - Total other comprehensive income 19,893 (13,457)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 22,363 (8,156) This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.
111 Statement of Financial Position for the year ended 30 June 2018
Notes 2018 2017 $'000 $'000 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 5 4,587 3,028 Trade & other receivables 5 1,524 1,354 Inventories 5 304 32 Total current assets 6,415 4,414
Non-current assets Financial assets 6 - 35 Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment 7 246,964 228,257 Total non-current assets 246,964 228,292 Total assets 253,379 232,706
LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade & other payables 8 2,429 2,951 Borrowings 8 218 206 Provisions 8 2,332 3,288 Total current liabilities 4,979 6,445
Non-current liabilities Borrowings 8 2,572 2,790 Provisions 8 3,593 3,599 Total non-current liabilities 6,165 6,389 Total liabilities 11,144 12,834 NET ASSETS 242,235 219,872
EQUITY Accumulated surplus 65,986 61,333 Asset revaluation reserves 9 175,402 155,509 Other reserves 9 847 3,030 TOTAL EQUITY 242,235 219,872 This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.
112 Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2018
Notes Accumulated Asset Other Total surplus revaluation reserves equity reserve $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 2018 Balance at end of previous reporting 61,333 155,509 3,030 219,872 period Net surplus / (deficit) for the year 2,470 2,470 Other Comprehensive Income Gain on revaluation of infrastructure, 9 21,108 21,108 property, plant & equipment Impairment (expense) / (1,215) (1,215) recoupments offset to asset revaluation reserve Transfers between reserves 2,183 (2,183) - Balance at end of period 65,986 175,402 847 242,235
2017 Balance at end of previous 54,680 168,966 4,382 228,028 reporting period Net surplus / (deficit) for the year 5,301 5,301 Other Comprehensive Income Gain on revaluation of infrastructure, 9 (13,457) (13,457) property, plant & equipment Transfers between reserves 9 1,352 (1,352) - Balance at end of period 61,333 155,509 3,030 219,872 This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.
113 Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2018
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts Rates - general & other 19,522 19,682 Fees & other charges 447 454 User charges 4,343 4,752 Investment receipts 62 33 Grants utilised for operating purposes 3,906 5,222 Reimbursements 61 216 Other revenues 597 4,034 Payments Employee costs (11,715) (10,692) Materials, contracts & other expenses (9,816) (13,711) Finance payments (172) (201) Net cash provided by (or used in) Operating Activities 7,235 9,789
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Receipts Amounts specifically for new or upgraded assets 445 2,189 Sale of replaced assets 146 407 Sale of surplus assets 71 105 Repayments of loans by community groups 35 40 Payments Expenditure on renewal/replacement of assets (4,053) (3,253) Expenditure on new/upgraded assets (2,114) (6,322) Net cash provided by (or used in) Investing Activities (5,470) (6,834)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments Repayments of borrowings (206) (874) Net cash provided by (or used in) Financing Activities (206) (874) Net increase (decrease) in cash held 1,559 2,081
Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 10 3,028 947 Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 10 4,587 3,028
114 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the 2 The Local Government reporting entity preparation of the financial report are set out City of Mount Gambier is incorporated under below. These policies have been consistently the SA Local Government Act 1999 and has applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise its principal place of business at 10 Watson stated. Terrace, Mount Gambier. These financial 1 Basis of preparation statements include the Council’s direct 1.1 Compliance with Australian Accounting operations and all entities through which Standards Council controls resources to carry on its functions. In the process of reporting on the This general purpose financial report has been Council as a single unit, all transactions and prepared on a going concern basis using the balances between activity areas and controlled historical cost convention in accordance with entities have been eliminated. Australian Accounting Standards as they apply to not-for-profit entities, other authoritative 3 Income recognition pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Income is measured at the fair value of the Standards Board, Interpretations and relevant consideration received or receivable. Income South Australian legislation. is recognised when the Council obtains control The financial report was authorised by Council over the assets comprising the income, for issue by certificate under regulation 14 of or when the amount due constitutes an the Local Government (Financial Management) enforceable debt, whichever first occurs. Regulations 2011 dated 16 October 2018. Where grants, contributions and donations 1.2 Historical cost convention recognised as incomes during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that Except as stated below, these financial they be expended in a particular manner statements have been prepared in accordance or used over a particular period, and those with the historical cost convention. conditions were undischarged as at the 1.3 Critical accounting estimates reporting date, the amounts subject to those The preparation of financial statements undischarged conditions are disclosed in these in conformity with Australian Accounting notes. Also disclosed is the amount of grants, Standards requires the use of certain contributions and receivables recognised as critical accounting estimates, and requires incomes in a previous reporting period which management to exercise its judgement in were obtained in respect of the Council’s applying Council’s accounting policies. The operations for the current reporting period. areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are specifically referred to in the relevant sections of these Notes. 1.4 Rounding All amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000).
115 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued)
In recent years the payment of untied financial assistance grants has varied from the annual allocation as shown in the table below.
Cash payment received Annual allocation Difference 2015/2016 $1,435,554 $2,752,676 - $1,317,122 2016/2017 $3,907,937 $2,580,055 + $1,327,882 2017/2018 $3,171,660 $3,017,871 - $153,789
Because these grants are untied, the All receivables are reviewed as at the reporting Australian Accounting Standards require date and adequate allowance made for that payments be recognised upon receipt. amounts the receipt of which is considered Accordingly, the operating results of these doubtful. periods have been distorted compared to All financial instruments are recognised at those that would have been reported had the fair value at the date of recognition. A detailed grants been paid in the year to which they were statement of the accounting policies applied to allocated. financial instruments forms part of note 12. The Operating Surplus Ratio disclosed in note 5 Inventories 13 has also been calculated after adjusting for Inventories held in respect of stores have been the distortions resulting from the differences valued by using the weighted average cost on between the actual grants received and the a continual basis, after adjustment for loss of grants entitlements allocated. service potential. Inventories held in respect The actual amounts of untied grants received of business undertakings have been valued at during the reporting periods (including the the lower of cost and net realisable value. For advance allocations) are disclosed in note 2. the reporting year inventories include work in 3.1 Construction contracts progress, where in the comparison year these Construction works undertaken by Council were capitalised within the non-current fixed for third parties are generally on an agency assets. basis where the third party reimburses Council 6 Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment for actual costs incurred, and usually do not 6.1 Initial recognition extend beyond the reporting period. As there All assets are initially recognised at cost. For is no profit component, such works are treated assets acquired at no cost or for nominal as 100% completed. Reimbursements not consideration, cost is determined as fair value received are recognised as receivables and at the date of acquisition. reimbursements received in advance are recognised as “payments received in advance”. All non-current assets purchased or constructed are capitalised as the expenditure 4 Cash, cash equivalents and other financial is incurred and depreciated as soon as instruments the asset is held “ready for use”. Cost is Cash Assets include all amounts readily determined as the fair value of the assets convertible to cash on hand at Council’s option given as consideration plus costs incidental with an insignificant risk of changes in value to the acquisition, including architects’ fees with a maturity of three months or less from and engineering design fees and all other the date of acquisition. costs incurred. The cost of non-current assets Receivables for rates and annual charges constructed by the Council includes the cost are secured over the subject land, and bear of all materials used in construction, direct interest at rates determined in accordance labour on the project and an appropriate with the Local Government Act 1999. Other proportion of variable and fixed overhead. receivables are generally unsecured and do not bear interest. 116 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued)
6.2 Materiality 6.5 Impairment Assets with an economic life in excess of one Assets that have an indefinite useful life are year are only capitalised where the cost of not subject to depreciation and are reviewed acquisition exceeds materiality thresholds annually for impairment. Assets carried at established by Council for each type of asset. fair value whose future economic benefits are In determining (and in annually reviewing) not dependent on the ability to generate cash such thresholds, regard is had to the nature flows, and where the future economic benefits of the asset and its estimated service life. would be replaced if Council were deprived Examples of capitalisation thresholds thereof, are not assessed for impairment. applied during the year are given in Note 7. Other assets that are subject to depreciation No capitalisation threshold is applied to the are reviewed for impairment whenever events acquisition of land or interests in land. or changes in circumstances indicate that the 6.3 Subsequent recognition carrying amount may not be recoverable. An All material asset classes are revalued on a impairment loss is recognised for the amount regular basis such that the carrying values by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds are not materially different from fair value. its recoverable amount (which is the higher of For infrastructure and other asset classes the present value of future cash outflows or where no active market exists, fair value is value in use). determined to be the current replacement Where an asset that has been revalued is cost of an asset less, where applicable, subsequently impaired, the impairment is accumulated depreciation calculated on first offset against such amount as stands the basis of such cost to reflect the already to the credit of that class of assets in Asset consumed or expired future economic Revaluation Reserve, any excess being benefits of the asset. Further detail of existing recognised as an expense. valuations, methods and valuers are provided 7 Payables at Note 7. 7.1 Goods & services 6.4 Depreciation of non-current assets Creditors are amounts due to external parties Other than land, all infrastructure, property, for the supply of goods and services and are plant and equipment assets recognised recognised as liabilities when the goods and are systematically depreciated over their services are received. Creditors are normally useful lives on a straight-line basis which, paid 30 days after the month of invoice. No in the opinion of Council, best reflects interest is payable on these amounts. the consumption of the service potential embodied in those assets. 7.2 Payments received in advance & deposits Depreciation methods, useful lives and Amounts received from external parties in residual values of classes of assets are advance of service delivery, and security reviewed annually. deposits held against possible damage to Major depreciation periods for each class Council assets, are recognised as liabilities of asset are shown in Note 7. Depreciation until the service is delivered or damage periods for infrastructure assets have been reinstated, or the amount is refunded as the estimated based on the best information case may be. available to Council, but appropriate records 8 Borrowings covering the entire life cycle of these assets Loans are carried at their principal amounts are not available, and extreme care should which represent the present value of future be used in interpreting financial information cash flows associated with servicing the debt. based on these estimates. Interest is accrued over the period to which it relates, and is recorded as part of “Payables”.
117 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued)
Interest free loans are carried at their nominal in accounting policy have occurred during amounts; interest revenues foregone by the either the current or previous reporting lender effectively being a reduction of interest periods. Details of the accounting policies expense in the period to which it relates. applied and Council’s involvement with the 9 Employee benefits schemes are reported in Note 16. 9.1 Salaries, wages & compensated absences 10 Provisions for reinstatement, restoration, rehabilitation, etc. Liabilities for employees’ entitlements to salaries, wages and compensated absences Capping and restoration costs include the expected to be paid or settled within 12 dismantling and demolition of infrastructure, months of reporting date are accrued at the removal of residual materials and the nominal amounts (including payroll based remediation and rehabilitation of disturbed oncosts) measured in accordance with AASB areas. Estimated close capping and restoration 119. costs are provided for in the accounting period when the obligation arising from the related Liabilities for employee benefits not expected disturbance occurs, and are carried at the net to be paid or settled within 12 months present value of estimated future costs. are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows (including Although estimated future costs are based on payroll based oncosts) to be made in respect a closure plan, such plans are based on current of services provided by employees up to the environmental requirements which may reporting date. Present values are calculated change, Council’s policy to maximise recycling using government guaranteed securities rates is extending the operational life of these with similar maturity terms. facilities, and significant uncertainty exists in the estimation of the future closure date. Weighted average 1.94% 11 GST implications discount rate (2017, 1.63%) In accordance with UIG Abstract 1031 Weighted average 1 year Accounting for the Goods & Services Tax settlement period (2017, 1 year) • receivables and creditors include GST receivable and payable; No accrual is made for non-vesting sick leave as Council experience indicates that, on • except in relation to input taxed activities, average, sick leave taken in each reporting revenues and operating expenditures period is less than the entitlement accruing in exclude GST receivable and payable; that period, and this experience is expected to • non-current assets and capital expenditures recur in future reporting periods. Council does include GST net of any recoupment, and; not make payment for untaken non-vesting • amounts included in the Statement of Cash sick leave. Flows are disclosed on a gross basis. An accrual is made for vesting sick leave 12 New accounting standards and Council does make payment for vesting Certain new accounting standards and UIG sick leave in accordance with the Enterprise interpretations have been published that are Bargaining Agreement for AWU employees. not mandatory for the 30 June 2017 reporting 9.2 Superannuation period and have not been used in preparing The Council makes employer superannuation these reports. contributions in respect of its employees to the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. The Scheme has two types of membership, each of which is funded differently. No changes
118 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued)
Council is of the view that other than AASB AASB 7 Financial Instruments – Disclosures 16 and AASB 1058, none of the above new standards or interpretations will affect any AASB 9 Financial Instruments of the amounts recognised in the financial AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with statements, but that they may impact certain Customers information otherwise disclosed. AASB 16 Leases Accounting Standard AASB 16 Leases may have a material effect on the amounts AASB 1058 Income of Not-for-Profit Entities disclosed in these reports, particularly in Standards containing consequential relation to infrastructure, property, plant & amendments to other standards and equipment. Accounting Standard AASB 1058 Interpretations arising from the above - AASB Income of Not-for-Profit Entities may have 2010-7, AASB 2014-1, AASB 2014-3, AASB a material effect on the amounts disclosed 2014-7, AASB 2014-8, AASB 2014-10, AASB in these reports, particularly in revenues 2015-1, AASB 2015-2, AASB 2015-3, AASB from grants and subsidies. Neither of these 2015-4, AASB 2015-8, AASB 2015-10, AASB standards commence until the 2019/2020 2016-7 and AASB 2016-8. financial period and it is not Council’s intention (Standards not affecting local government to adopt this standard early. have been excluded from the above list.)
119 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 2 - Income
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 RATES REVENUES General Rates 19,593 18,755 Less: Discretionary rebates, remissions & write offs (221) (197)
Other Rates (including service charges) Natural Resource Management levy 1,079 1,038
Other Charges Penalties for late payment 79 76 Legal & other costs recovered 67 -
Total rates revenue 20,597 19,672 STATUTORY CHARGES Development Act fees 95 88 Town planning fees 110 97 Health & septic tank inspection fees 21 - Animal registration fees & fines 143 152 Parking fines / expiation fees 18 32 Other licences, fees, & fines 60 52 Total statutory charges 447 421 USER CHARGES Cemetery/crematoria fees 795 969 Green waste collection 472 460 Landfill charges 2,112 1,949 Hall & equipment hire 279 334 Recycling 132 131 Sales - general 441 289 Bus ticketing 242 274 Sales - sundry 11 109 Total user charges 4,484 4,515 INVESTMENT INCOME Interest on investments Local Government Finance Authority 49 34 Banks & other 13 1 Total investment income 62 35 REIMBURSEMENTS Reimbursements - roadworks 14 44 Reimbursements - private works 63 98 Reimbursements - other 6 54 Total reimbursements 83 196 OTHER INCOME Insurance & other recoupments (infrastructure, property, plant & equipment) 148 473 Donations 57 28 Other income - sundry 317 149 Total other income 522 650
120 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 2 - Income (continued)
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 GRANTS, SUBSIDIES, CONTRIBUTIONS Amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets 445 2,189 Other grants, subsidies and contributions Untied - Financial Assistance Grant 3,172 3,908 Roads to Recovery 564 763 Library & Communications 148 179 Grants, subsidies, contributions - sundry 22 8 Subtotal - other grants, subsidies and contributions 3,906 4,858 Total grants, subsidies, contributions 4,351 7,047
The functions to which these grants relate are shown in Note 11.
Sources of grants Commonwealth government 564 763 State government 3,787 6,284 4,351 7,047 Conditions over grants & contributions Grants and contributions which were obtained on the condition that they be expended for specified purposes or in a future period, but which are not yet expended in accordance with those conditions, are as follows: Unexpended at the close of the previous reporting period 130 - Less: expended during the current period from revenues recognised in previous reporting periods Bicycle Funding Program (40 ) - Salvage Yard (90 ) Subtotal (130) - Plus: amounts recognised as revenues in this reporting period but not yet expended in accordance with the conditions Bicycle Funding Program - 40 Salvage Yard - 90 Rail Trail - Stage 3 250 - Subtotal 250 130 Unexpended at the close of this reporting period 250 130
Net increase / (decrease) in assets subject to conditions in the current 120 130 reporting period PHYSICAL RESOURCES RECEIVED FREE OF CHARGE Land - free of charge 188 127 Roads & footpaths - free of charge 269 1,086 Art - free of charge 6 - Total physical resources received free of charge 463 1,213
121 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 3 - Expenses
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 EMPLOYEE COSTS Salaries and wages 9,024 9,493 Employee leave expense 944 146 Superannuation 16 997 966 Workers' compensation insurance 262 420 Operating employee costs - other 45 61 Less: Capitalised and distributed costs (239) (358) Total operating employee costs 11,033 10,728
Total number of employees expressed in full time equivalents 125 123 MATERIALS, CONTRACTS & OTHER EXPENSES Prescribed expenses Audit fees Auditing the financial reports 33 21 Bad and doubtful debts 23 - Elected members' expenses 459 310 Election expenses 14 8 Subtotal - Prescribed expenses 529 339 Other materials, contracts & expenses Contractors 1,890 3,074 Repairs & maintenance 575 - Contributions / donations 581 763 Individually significant items Energy 835 718 Insurance 282 324 Levies paid to government - EPA, ESL & dog levies 1,114 987 NRM levy expense 1,079 1,041 Materials 1,722 1,345 Training 193 195 Water 132 70 Communication 281 225 Sundry expenses 810 1,087 Subtotal - Other materials, contracts & expenses 9,494 9,829 10,023 10,168
122 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 3 - Expenses (continued)
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION & IMPAIRMENT Depreciation Buildings & other structures 2,363 2,873 Infrastructure Waste management 623 581 Stormwater drainage 99 99 Bridges 3 3 Footpaths & kerbing 702 669 Roads 1,826 1,753 Carparks 249 248 Plant & equipment 701 699 Office equipment 158 143 Other 280 263 Impairment of derecognised assets 1,215 - 8,219 7,331 Less: Impairment expense offset to asset revaluation reserve 9 (1,215) - 7,004 7,331 FINANCE COSTS Interest on overdraft and short-term drawdown - 19 Interest on loans 172 182 Unwinding of present value discounts 64 68 236 269
Note 4 - Gain / (Loss) on asset disposal
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Assets renewed or directly replaced Proceeds from disposal 146 407 Less: Carrying amount of assets sold 100 403 Gain / (loss) on disposal 46 4
Asset surplus to requirements Proceeds from disposal 71 105 Less: Carrying amount of assets sold 85 61 Gain / (loss) on disposal (14) 44
Impairment of disposed assets (275) - (275) -
Net gain/(loss) on disposal or revaluation of assets (243) 48
123 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 5 - Current assets
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 CASH & EQUIVALENT ASSETS Cash on hand and at bank 327 152 Deposits at call 3,522 2,876 Short term deposits & bills, etc 738 - 4,587 3,028 Trade & other receivables Rates - General & other 430 433 Accrued revenues 11 6 Debtors - general 883 761 GST recoupment 155 141 Prepayments 53 - Loans to community organisations 35 33 Total 1,567 1,374
Less: Allowance for doubtful debts 43 20 1,524 1,354 Inventories Stores & materials 20 18 Trading stock 10 14 Work in progress 274 - 304 32
Note 6 - Non-current assets
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 FINANCIAL ASSETS Receivables Loans to community organisations - 35 Total financial assets - 35
124 Note 7-Infrastructure, property, plant&equipment Statements for theyear ended30 June 2018 Notes to andforming part of theFinancial 2017 2018 $’000 $’000 Fair At fair At cost Accumulated Carrying At fair At cost Accumulated Carrying value value depreciation amount value depreciation amount level Land 2 10,063 - - 10,063 10,063 - - 10,063 Land 3 41,589 128 - 41,717 41,590 361 - 41,951 Buildings & other structures 2 1,009 9 - 1,018 1,009 9 - 1,018 Buildings & other structures 3 98,446 1,123 (32,620) 66,949 96,041 2,227 (33,793) 64,475 Waste Management 3 7,678 1,169 (5,446) 3,401 7,678 1,198 (6,068) 2,808 Infrastructure ------Stormwater drainage 3 6,953 96 (1,887) 5,162 7,185 - (1,986) 5,199 Bridges 3 164 - (70) 94 164 - (73) 91 Footpaths & kerbing 3 14,755 1,247 (2,348) 13,654 70,928 - (16,556) 54,372 Roads 3 90,998 2,239 (24,045) 69,192 63,332 - (15,194) 48,138 Carparks 3 9,955 29 (2,299) 7,685 10,230 - (2,092) 8,138 Plant & equipment - 7,030 (1,909) 5,121 (118) 7,743 (2,492) 5,133 Office equipment - 1,909 (1,490) 419 - 2,060 (1,648) 412 Riddoch collection 3 - 2,059 - 2,059 3,434 - - 3,434 Other - 2,944 (1,221) 1,723 - 3,232 (1,500) 1,732 Total infrastructure, property, 281,610 19,982 (73,335) 228,257 311,536 16,830 (81,402) 246,964 plant & equipment Comparatives 293,353 16,497 (75,428) 234,422 281,610 19,982 (73,335) 228,257
125 126 Note 7-Infrastructure, property, plant&equipment(continued) Statements for theyear ended30 June 2018 Notes to andforming part of theFinancial 2017 Carrying amount movements during year 2018 $’000 $’000 $’000 Carrying Additions Disposals Depreciation Impairment Transfers Net Carrying amount revaluation amount New/ Renewals In Out upgrade Land 10,063 ------10,063 Land 41,717 234 ------41,951 Buildings & 1,018 ------1,018 other structures Buildings & 66,949 399 705 - (2,363) (1,215) - - - 64,475 other structures Waste 3,401 (102) - - (623) - - - 132 2,808 Management Infrastructure Stormwater 5,162 4 132 - (99) - - - - 5,199 drainage Bridges 94 - - - (3) - - - - 91 Footpaths & 13,654 1,021 459 (29) (702) - 21,290 - 18,679 54,372 kerbing Roads 69,192 252 1,782 (245) (1,826) - - (21,290) 273 48,138 Carparks 7,685 47 - - (249) - - - 655 8,138 Plant & 5,121 3 895 (185) (701) - - - - 5,133 equipment Office 419 15 136 - (158) - - - - 412 equipment Riddoch 2,059 6 ------1,369 3,434 collection Other 1,723 236 53 - (280) - - - - 1,732
228,257 2,115 4,162 (459) (7,004) (1,215) 21,290 (21,290) 21,108 246,964 Comparatives 234,422 10,621 4,466 (464) (7,331) - - - 3,932 228,257
Council has reviewed the allocation of infrastructure assets between Footpaths & kerbing and Roads, and determined a revised, more accurate allocation. This is shown above as a transfer between classes. Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 7 - Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment (continued)
Valuation of Assets Fair value hierarchy level 3 valuations of land General Valuation Principles Valuations of Crown land, community land and land subject to other restrictions on use or Accounting procedure: disposal, shown above as being based on fair Upon revaluation, the current new replacement value hierarchy level 3 valuation inputs, are based cost and accumulated depreciation are re-stated on prices for similar assets in an active market, such that the difference represents the fair value but include adjustments for specific advantages of the asset determined in accordance with or disadvantages attaching to the particular asset AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement: accumulated that are not directly or indirectly observable in depreciation is taken to be the difference between that market, or the number and / or amount of current new replacement cost and fair value. In observable adjustments of which are so great that the case of land, revaluations and additions are the valuation is more fairly described as being recorded per the Valuer General’s valuation. based on level 3 valuation inputs. Highest and best use: Fair value hierarchy level 3 valuations of buildings, For land which Council has an unfettered right infrastructure and other assets to sell, the “highest and best use” recognises There is no known market for these assets the possibility of the demolition or substantial and they are valued at depreciated current modification of some or all of the existing replacement cost. This method involves: buildings and structures affixed to the land. • The determination of the cost to construct the Much of the land under Council’s care and asset (or its modern engineering equivalent) control is Crown land or has been declared as using current prices for materials and labour, community land under the provisions of the Local the quantities of each being estimated Government Act 1999. Other types of restrictions based on recent experience of this or similar also exist. Councils, or on industry construction guides For land subject to these restrictions, the highest where these are more appropriate. and best use is taken to be the "highest and • The calculation of the depreciation that would best use" available to Council, with a rebuttable have accumulated since original construction presumption that the current use is the "highest using current estimates of residual value and and best use". The reason for the current use useful life under the prime cost depreciation of a large proportion of Council’s assets being method adopted by Council. other than the “highest and best use” relates to This method has significant inherent Council’s principal role as the provider of services uncertainties, relying on estimates of quantities to the community, rather than the use of those of materials and labour, residual values and assets for the generation of revenue. useful lives, and the possibility of changes in For buildings and other structures on and in the prices for materials and labour, and the potential land, including infrastructure, “highest and best for development of more efficient construction use” is determined in accordance with the land on techniques. and in which they are situated. Fair value hierarchy level 2 valuations Certain land, and the buildings and structures thereon, are shown above as being based on fair value hierarchy level 2 valuation inputs. They are based on prices for similar assets in an active market, with directly or indirectly observable adjustments for specific advantages or disadvantages attaching to the particular asset.
127 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 7 - Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment (continued)
Valuation of Assets (continued) Land indefinite Capitalisation thresholds used by Council for a Furniture & equipment representative range of assets are shown below. No capitalisation threshold is applied to the Office equipment & software 3 to 25 years acquisition of land or interests in land. Office furniture 10 years Plant & machinery Office furniture & equipment $5,000 Staff vehicles 2 years Other plant & equipment $5,000 Trucks 5 to 25 years Buildings - new construction/extensions $5,000 Rollers, loaders, graders 10 to 25 years Park & playground furniture & equipment $5,000 & tractors Road construction & reconstruction $5,000 Sundry plant 2 to 15 years Paving & footpaths, kerb & gutter $5,000 Building & other structures Stormwater & drainage $5,000 Buildings - structure 50 to 100 years Artworks $5,000 Buildings - roofing 40 years
These thresholds are indicative only and where Buildings - services 40 to 60 years an asset is material by its nature rather than Buildings - fit-out 15 to 25 years value, the capitalisation threshold may be a lesser Park shelters & other structures 20 to 30 years amount. Playground equipment 20 to 30 years Estimated useful lives Benches, seats, etc. 10 to 20 years Useful lives are estimated for each individual asset. In estimating useful lives, regard is given Infrastructure to technical and commercial obsolescence, as Sealed roads - seal 12 to 40 years well as legal and other limitations on continued Sealed roads - pavements 30 to 75 years use. The range of useful lives for a representative range of assets is shown below, although Sealed roads - sub pavements 120 to 150 years individual assets may have an estimated total Unsealed roads 10 to 20 years useful life of greater or lesser amount. The useful life represents Council’s expected availability Bridges - concrete 50 years for use and is in line with Council’s planned Footpaths 10 to 70 years replacement schedules. Kerbing & channels 40 to 70 years Stormwater drainage 70 years Landfill assets 6 to 12 years Other assets Library books 10 to 15 years Artworks indefinite
128 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 7 - Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment (continued)
Land Landfill Council being of the opinion that it is not possible Landfill remediation and cell development assets to attribute a value sufficiently reliably to qualify are amortised on a consumption basis over the for recognition, land under roads has not been individual landfill cell’s capacity to receive waste. recognised in these reports. Land acquired At the time of construction of a cell, Council for road purposes during the year is initially includes the present value of estimated costs recognised at cost, but transferred to fair value to cap and close the cell into the landfill cell. at reporting date, effectively writing off the This estimate is offset by the recognition of a expenditure. provision. This recognition of the capping costs is amortised in line with the consumption of the Freehold land and land over which Council has landfill cell’s capacity used in any one year. control, but does not have title, is recognised on the cost basis. No capitalisation threshold is Plant, furniture & equipment applied to the acquisition of land or interests in These assets are recognised at historical cost. land. All other assets Land Improvements These assets are recognised at historical cost. Land improvements, including bulk earthworks Library books and other lending materials are with an assessed unlimited useful life, are capitalised in bulk each year and written off when recognised on the cost basis, originally deriving fully depreciated. from a valuation at 30 June 1997 at current replacement cost. Additions are recognised at The Riddoch art collection was revalued as cost. at 30 June 2018 by Simon Storey Art and Cultural Collection Valuers. These assets are not Buildings & other structures depreciated. Buildings and other structures were revalued as at 1 July 2016 by Richard Wood, AAPI CPV, of Opteon Property Group. Additions are recognised at cost. Infrastructure Transportation assets were valued by Council officers at depreciated current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June 2018, based on actual costs incurred during the reporting periods ended 30 June 2018. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost. Stormwater drainage infrastructure was valued by Council officers as at 30 June 2018 at depreciated current replacement cost, based on actual costs incurred during the reporting period ended 30 June 2018.
129 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 8 - Liabilities
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES Goods & services 1,519 2,066 Payments received in advance 153 163 Accrued expenses - employee entitlements 361 292 Accrued expenses - other 247 9 Deposits, retentions & bonds 88 249 Other payables 61 172 Total trade & other payables 2,429 2,951
BORROWINGS Current Loans current 218 206 Total borrowings current 218 206 All interest bearing liabilities are secured over the future revenues of the Council.
BORROWINGS Non-current Loans non-current 2,572 2,790 Total borrowings non-current 2,572 2,790
PROVISIONS Current Employee entitlements (including oncosts) 2,332 2,288 Future reinstatement / restoration, etc. - 1,000 Total provisions current 2,332 3,288
PROVISIONS Non-current Employee entitlements (including oncosts) 161 232 Future reinstatement / restoration, etc. 3,432 3,367 Total provisions non-current 3,593 3,599
130 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 9 - Reserves
Opening Net Increments Transfers, Closing (Decrements) Impairments $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land 41,311 - - 41,311 Buildings & structures 57,606 - (1,215) 56,391 Infrastructure 52,172 19,607 (2,776) 69,003 Waste management - 132 2,776 2,908 Plant & equipment 770 - - 770 Minor plant 34 - - 34 Other assets 3,616 1,369 - 4,985 Total 155,509 21,108 (1,215) 175,402 Comparatives 30 June 2017 168,966 (13,457) - 155,509
Opening Transfers Transfers Closing to reserve from reserve $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Long service leave 724 - (724) - Downstream drainage 219 - (219) - Work in progress 1,314 - (1,314) - Mount Gambier Cemetery 696 14 - 710 Mayor Christmas Appeal - 38 - 38 Christmas Parade - 13 - 13 Junior Sports Assistance Fund 77 9 - 86 Total 3,030 74 (2,257) 847 Comparatives 30 June 2017 4,382 1,428 (2,780) 3,030
Purpose of reserves Downstream Drainage Asset Revaluation Reserve The downstream drainage reserve represented funds recently contributed by developers and The asset revaluation reserve is used to record held by Council to complete drainage obligations increments and decrements arising from and included interest received on the quarantined changes in fair value of non-current assets funds (2017). This reserve was discontinued in (less any subsequent impairment losses, where 2018 as these liabilities were considered part of applicable). the broader expectations of Council to maintain Other Reserves drainage, irrespective of funding. Other reserves are used when reserves are Work in Progress maintained for the purpose of specific Council The work in progress reserve represents Council committees or for committed funds of Council. works and projects that are carried over from one Long Service Leave budgetary year to the next. It represents work The Long Service Leave reserve represented in progress expenditure not yet incurred at the funds for the purpose of the City of Mount end of the budget year. Transfers from the fund Gambier employee long service leave are made as and when required with works and entitlements (2017). This reserve was projects normally completed in the year following. discontinued in 2018 as these liabilities are This reserve is discontinued from the reporting separately accounted for under provisions in the year onwards. Statement of Financial Position.
131 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 9 - Reserves (continued)
Mount Gambier Cemetery Christmas Parade The Mount Gambier cemetery reserve The Christmas Parade reserve represents bank represents funds that have been allocated for funds and payables of the City of Mount Gambier any development works or projects that may be related to the Christmas Parade and to be used required at the Carinya Gardens Cemetery and for that purpose. Crematorium. Transfers to the reserve include Junior Sports Assistance Fund Cemetery interest received. The Junior Sports Assistance Fund reserve Mayor Christmas Appeal represents bank funds and payables of the City The Mayor Christmas Appeal reserve represents of Mount Gambier related to the Junior Sporting bank funds and payables of the City of Mount Assistance Fund and to be used for that purpose. Gambier related to the Mayor Christmas Appeal and to be used for that purpose.
132 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 10 - Reconciliation to Cash Flow Statement
(a) Reconciliation of cash Cash assets comprise highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity subject to insignificant risk of changes of value. Cash at the end of the reporting period as shown in the Cash Flow Statement is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:
Notes 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 Total cash & equivalent assets 5 4,587 3,028 Balances per Cash Flow Statement 4,587 3,028
(b) Reconciliation of change in Net assets to Cash flows from Operating Activities Net surplus / (deficit) 2,470 5,301 Non-cash items in Income Statement Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 3 7,004 7,331 Net increase / (decrease) in unpaid employee benefits 42 36 Premiums & discounts recognised & unwound 3 64 68 Non-cash asset acquisitions 2 (463) (1,213) Grants for capital acquisitions treated as Investing Activity 2 (445) (2,189) Net (gain) / loss on disposals 4 243 (48) 8,915 9,286 Add / (less): Changes in net current assets Net (increase) / decrease in receivables (170) (203) Net (increase) / decrease in inventories (272) 7 Net increase / (decrease) in trade & other payables (589) 699 Net increase / (decrease) in other reserves (649) - Net cash provided by (or used in) operations 7,235 9,789
(c) Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities Acquisition of assets by means of: Physical resources received free of charge 2 463 1,213
(d) Financing arrangements Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit: Bank overdrafts 250 250 Corporate credit cards 25 29 LGFA Cash Advance Debenture facility 10,000 10,000
The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the bank without notice.
133 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 11 - Functions
- 2017 7,524 7,524 4,735 4,735 11,179 11,179 3,400 3,400 $’000 37,801 37,801 10,198 10,198 54,361 54,361 12,846 12,846 90,662 90,662 232,706 232,706 - - - 21 769 Total assets held assets Total 2018 $’000 8,854 8,044 8,044 75,561 75,561 57,360 57,360 102,769 102,769 253,378 253,378 (Current & non-current) (Current
- - - - - 4 4 179 763 2017 4,858 3,908 3,908 $’000 in income - - - - 3 9 10 Grants included Grants 148 564 2018 3,172 3,172 $’000 3,906 3,906
165 2017 1,851 1,851 (606) $’000 16,856 16,856 (1,660) (1,002) (1,230) (2,764) (2,423) (2,853) (2,632) Operating 281 2018 1,805 1,805 $’000 (804) 21,279 21,279 surplus (deficit) (1,319) (1,733) (1,164) (2,734) (6,529) (3,036) (2,436)
423 423 2017 2,113 2,113 1,977 1,977 5,315 5,315 6,724 1,036 1,036 1,230 1,230 2,837 2,837 3,439 3,439 3,402 3,402 $’000 28,496 28,496 Expenses 314 314 2018 3,151 3,151 1,164 1,164 5,728 3,014 1,202 1,202 2,037 2,037 $’000 2,203 2,203 2,489 2,489 6,994 6,994 28,296 28,296
- 73 317 317 807 807 549 549 588 430 1,111 2017 2,892 $’000 30,347 30,347 23,580 23,580 Incomes, expenses and assets have been directly attributed to the following functions & activities the following to attributed been directly have and assets expenses Incomes, - Income 115 578 595 595 465 465 398 884 304 2018 $’000 2,994 30,101 30,101 23,768 23,768 Administration / Support Administration Services Community Support Community Culture Economic Development Economic Environment Recreation Regulatory Services Regulatory Transport Engineering / Indirect Engineering Unclassified Activities Unclassified TOTALS Revenues and expenses exclude net gain / (loss) on disposal or revaluation of assets, amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets and assets or upgraded for new specifically received amounts assets, of or revaluation on disposal / (loss) net gain exclude and expenses Revenues charge. of free received resources physical
134 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 11 - Functions (continued)
Components of functions Transport The activities relating to Council functions are as Bridges, Footpaths and Kerbing, Roads – sealed, follows: Roads – formed, Roads – natural formed, Roads – unformed, Traffic Management and Other Business undertakings Transport. Private Works and Landfill Facility. Unclassified activities Community Services Finance charges and investment revenue, private Public Order and Safety, Crime Prevention, works and sundry property maintenance. Emergency Services, Other Fire Protection, Other Council Administration Public Order and Safety, Health Services, Pest Control – Health, Immunisation, Preventive Health Governance, Elected Members, Organisational, Services, Other Health Services, Community Support Services, Accounting/Finance, Payroll, Support, Senior Citizens Facilities, Children and Human Resources, Information Technology, Youth Services, Community Assistance, Other Communication, Rates Administration, Records, Community Support, Community Amenities, Occupancy, Customer Service, Other Support Bus Shelters, Cemeteries / Crematoria, Public Services, Revenues, Separate and Special Rates. Conveniences, Car Parking – non-fee-paying, and Other Community Amenities. Culture Library Services, Other Library Services, Cultural Services, Cultural Venues, Heritage, Museums and Art Galleries, and Other Cultural Services. Economic Development Regional Development, Tourism, Visitor Information and Other Economic Development. Environment Animal/Plant Boards, Waste Management, Domestic Waste, Green Waste, Recycling, Transfer Station, Other Waste Management, Other Environment, Stormwater and Drainage, Street Cleaning, Street Lighting, Streetscaping, Natural Resource Management Levy, and Other Environment. Recreation Parks and Gardens, Sports Facilities – Indoor, Sports Facilities – Outdoor, Swimming Centres – Outdoor, and Other Recreation. Regulatory Services Dog and Cat Control, Building Control, Town Planning, Clean Air/Pollution Control, Litter Control, Health Inspection, Parking Control, and Other Regulatory Services.
135 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 12 - Financial instruments
All financial instruments are categorised as loans Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after and receivables. deduction of any allowance). Accounting policies - Recognised financial Receivables - other levels of government instruments Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal value. Bank, deposits at call, short term deposits Terms & conditions: Amounts due have been Accounting Policy: Carried at lower of cost and calculated in accordance with the terms and net realiseable value; Interest is recognised when conditions of the respective programs following earned. advice of approvals, and do not bear interest. All Terms & conditions: Deposits are returning fixed amounts are due by Departments and Agencies of interest rates between 1.5% and 2.15% (2017: State and Federal Governments. 1.5% and 2.15%). Short term deposits have an Carrying amount: approximates fair value. average maturity of 1 day and an average interest Liabilities - Creditors and accruals rates of 1.5% (2017: 1 day, 1.50%). Accounting policy: Liabilities are recognised for Carrying amount: approximates fair value due to amounts to be paid in the future for goods and the short term to maturity. services received, whether or not billed to the Receivables - Rates & associated charges Council. (including legals & penalties for late payment) Terms & conditions: Liabilities are normally Accounting policy: Carried at nominal values less settled on 30 day terms or in line with the specific any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance terms and conditions of the supplier. for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed Carrying amount: approximates fair value. annually) when collection in full is no longer probable. Liabilities - Interest Bearing Borrowings Terms & conditions: Secured over the subject Accounting policy: Carried at the principal land, arrears attract interest of 5.5% (2017: 7%) amounts. Interest is charged as an expense as it Although Council is not materially exposed to accrues. any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is Terms & conditions: secured over future revenues, concentrated within the Council’s boundaries in borrowings are repayable (2 repayments per year the State. with fixed terms of 10 and 15 years); interest is Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after charged at fixed (or variable 3.75% as at 30 June deduction of any allowance). 2018) rates between 5.05% and 5.97% (2017: 5.05% and 5.97%). Receivables - Fees & other charges Carrying amount: approximates fair value. Accounting policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance Liabilities - Finance leases for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed Accounting policy: accounted for in accordance annually) when collection in full is no longer with AASB 117. probable. Terms & conditions: Unsecured, and do not bear interest. However, certain charges can be secured to a property where legistlative criteria is met. Although Council is not materially exposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is concentrated within the Council boundaries and Council properties immediately surrounding Council boundaries.
136 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 12 - Financial instruments (continued)
Liquidity analysis Due Due Due Total Carrying < 1 year > 1 year; > 5 years contractual values ≤ 5 years cash flows $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 2018 Financial assets Cash & equivalents 4,587 - - 4,587 4,587 Receivables 883 - - 883 883 Other financial assets 35 - - 35 35 Total 5,505 - - 5,505 5,505
Financial liabilities Payables 2,429 - - 2,429 2,429 Current borrowings 218 - - 218 218 Non-current borrowings - 852 1,720 2,572 2,572 Total 2,647 852 1,720 5,219 5,219
2017 Financial assets Cash & equivalents 3,028 - - 3,028 3,028 Receivables 767 - - 767 767 Other financial assets 33 35 - 68 68 Total 3,828 35 - 3,863 3,863
Financial liabilities Payables 2,605 - - 2,605 2,605 Current borrowings 206 - - 206 206 Non-current borrowings - 838 1,952 2,790 2,790 Total 2,811 838 1,952 5,601 5,601
The following interest rates were applicable to Council's borrowings at balance date:
30 June 2018 30 June 2017 Weighted average Carrying Weighted average Carrying interest rate value interest rate value % $’000 % $’000 Fixed interest rates 5.96% 2,790 5.51 2,996 2,790 2,996
137 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 12 - Financial instruments (continued)
Net fair value Liquidity risk is the risk that Council will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations with All carrying values approximate fair value for all financial liabilities. In accordance with the model recognised financial instruments. There is no Treasury Management Policy (LGA Information recognised market for the financial assets of the Paper 15), liabilities have a range of maturity Council. dates. Council also has available a range of bank Risk exposures overdraft and standby borrowing facilities that it Credit risk represents the loss that would be can access. recognised if counterparties fail to perform Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows as contracted. The maximum credit risk on will fluctuate because of changes in market financial assets of the Council is the carrying interest rates. Council has a balance of both amount, net of any allowance for doubtful debts. fixed and variable interest rate borrowings and All Council investments are made with the SA investments. Cash flow fluctuations are managed Local Government Finance Authority and are holistically in seeking to minimise interest costs guaranteed by the SA Government. Except as over the longer term in a risk averse manner. detailed in Notes 5 and 6 in relation to individual classes of receivables, exposure is concentrated within the Council’s boundaries, and there is no material exposure to any individual debtor. Market risk is the risk that fair values of financial assets will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices. All of Council’s financial assets are denominated in Australian dollars and are not traded on any market, and hence neither market risk nor currency risk apply.
138 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 13 - Financial indicators
These financial indicators have been calculated in accordance with Information Paper 9 - Local Government Financial Indicators prepared as part of the LGA Financial Sustainability Program for the Local Government Association of South Australia. Detailed methods of calculation are set out in the SA Model Statements. The Information Paper was revised in May 2015 and the financial indicators for previous years have been re-calculated in accordance with the revised formulas.
2018 2017 2016 Operating Surplus Ratio Operating surplus 6.0% 6.0% (2.0%) Total operating revenue
This ratio expresses the operating surplus as a percentage of total operating revenue.
Net financial liabilities ratio Net financial liabilities 17% 28% 25% Total operating revenue
Net financial liabilities are defined as total liabilities less financial assets. These are expressed as a percentage of total operating revenue.
Adjustments to ratios In recent years the Federal Government has made advance payments prior to 30th June from future year allocations of financial assistance grants, as explained in Note 1. The adjusted operating surplus ratio adjusts for the resulting distortion in the disclosed operating result for each year. Adjusted operating surplus ratio 5.5% 2.0% 3.0% Net financial liabilities ratio Net asset renewals Infrastructure & Asset Management 72% 62% 57% Plan required expenditure
Net asset renewals expenditure is defined as net capital expenditure on the renewal and replacement of existing assets, and excludes new capital expenditure on the acquisition of additional assets.
139 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 14 - Uniform presentation of finances
The following is a high level summary of both operating and capital investment activities of the Council prepared on a simplified Uniform Presentation Framework basis. All Councils in South Australia have agreed to summarise annual budgets and long-term financial plans on the same basis. The arrangements ensure that all Councils provide a common ‘core’ of financial information, which enables meaningful comparisons of each Council’s finances.
2018 2017 $’000 $’000 Income 30,101 30,347 less Expenses 28,296 28,496 Operating surplus / (deficit) 1,805 1,851
less Net outlays on existing assets Capital expenditure on renewal and replacement of existing assets 4,193 3,253 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (7,004) (7,331) Proceeds from sale of replaced assets (146) (407) (2,957) (4,485) less Net outlays on new and upgraded assets Capital expenditure on new and upgraded assets 2,247 6,322 (including investment property & real estate developments) Amounts received specifically for new and upgraded assets (445) (2,189) Proceeds from sale of surplus assets (71) (105) (including investment property and real estate developments) 1,731 4,028
Net lending / (borrowing) for financial year 3,031 2,308
140 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 15 - Operating leases
Lease payment commitments of Council Council has entered into non-cancellable operating leases for various items of computer and other plant and equipment. No lease imposes any additional restrictions on Council in relation to additional debt or further leasing. Leases in relation to computer and office equipment permit Council, at expiry of the lease, to elect to re-lease, return or acquire the equipment leased No lease contains any escalation clause. Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases that have not been recognised in the financial statements are as follows:
2018 2017 $’000 $’000 Not later than one year 28 86 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 18 45 Later than 5 years - - 46 131
141 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 16 - Superannuation
The Council makes employer superannuation The Salarylink section is a multi-employer contributions in respect of its employees to sponsored plan. As the Salarylink section’s assets the superannuation scheme selected by the and liabilities are pooled and are not allocated employee. The default Superannuation Fund is by each employer, and employees may transfer Statewide Super (formerly Local Government to another employer within the local government Superannuation Scheme). There are two types of sector and retain membership of the Fund, the membership, each of which is funded differently. Actuary is unable to allocate benefit liabilities, Permanent and contract employees of the assets and costs between employers. As provided South Australian Local Government sector with by AASB 119.32(b), Council does not use defined Salarylink benefits prior to 24 November 2009 benefit accounting for these contributions. have the option to contribute to the Accumulation The most recent actuarial investigation was section and/or Salarylink. All other employees conducted by the Fund’s actuary, Willis Towers (including casuals) have all contributions Watson as at 30 June 2017. The Trustee allocated to the Accumulation section. has determined that the current funding Accumulation only Members arrangements are adequate for the expected Salarylink liabilities. However, future financial and Accumulation only members receive both economic circumstances may require changes to employer and employee contributions on a Council’s contribution rates at some future time. progressive basis. Employer contributions are based on a fixed percentage of ordinary time Contributions to other superannuation earnings in accordance with superannuation schemes guarantee legislation (9.50% in 2017/2018 Council also makes contributions to other and 2016/2017) and enterprise bargaining superannuation schemes selected by employees agreement (1% in 2017/2018 and 2016/2017). under the “choice of fund” legislation. All such No further liability accrues to the Council as the schemes are of the accumulation type, where superannuation benefits accruing to employees the superannuation benefits accruing to the are represented by their share of the net assets of employee are represented by their share of the the Fund. net assets of the scheme, and no further liability Salarylink (Defined Benefit Fund) Members attaches to the Council. Salarylink is a defined benefit scheme where the benefit payable is based on a formula determined by the member’s contribution rate, number of years and level of contribution and final average salary. Council makes employer contributions to Salarylink as determined by the Fund’s Trustee based on advice from the appointed Actuary. The rate is currently 6.3% (6.3% in 2016/2017) of “superannuation” salary. In addition, Council makes a separate contribution of 3% of ordinary time earnings for Salarylink members to their Accumulation account plus an additional 1% per enterprise bargaining agreement. Employees also make member contributions to the Salarylink section of the Fund. As such, assets accumulate in the Salarylink section of the Fund to meet the member’s benefits, as defined in the Trust Deed, as they accrue.
142 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 17 - Contingencies & assets & liabilities not recognised in the balance sheet
The following assets and liabilities do not 3. Bank guarantees qualify for recognition in the Balance Sheet but Council has guaranteed certain loans and other knowledge of those items is considered relevant banking facilities advanced to community to users of the financial report in making and organisations and sporting bodies, amounting to evaluating decisions about the allocation of $110,000 (2017: $110,000) at reporting date. scarce resources. Council does not expect to incur any loss arising 1. Land under roads from these guarantees. As reported elsewhere in these Statements, 4. Legal expenses Council is of the opinion that it is not possible to attribute a value sufficiently reliably for these Council is the relevant planning authority for assets to qualify for recognition, and accordingly its area pursuant to the Development Act 1993. land under roads has not been recognised in Certain persons aggrieved by a planning decision these reports. Land acquired for road purposes of Council may appeal against the decision to the during the year is initially recognised at cost, Environment, Resources and Development Court. but transferred to fair value at reporting date, It is normal practice as part of these proceedings effectively writing off the expenditure. that parties bear their own legal costs. At the date of these reports, Council has not received At reporting date, Council controlled 228 notice of any appeals against planning decisions kilometres of road reserves of average width 20 made prior to reporting date. All known costs metres. have been recognised, but the amount of further 2. Potential insurance losses costs cannot be known until the appeals are Council is a multi-purpose organisation providing determined. a large range of buildings, parks infrastructure, playgrounds and other facilities accessible to the public. At any time, it is likely that claims will have been made against Council that remain unsettled. Council insures against all known insurable risks using a range of insurance policies, each of which is subject to a deductible “insurance excess”, the amount of which varies according to the class of insurance. Council has recognised the potential losses arising from claims known at reporting date based on average historical net cost (including insurance excess) of similar types of claims. Other potential claims not reported to Council may have existed at reporting date.
143 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 Note 18 - Related party disclosures
Key Management Personnel The Key Management Personnel of the Council include the Mayor, Councillors, CEO and certain prescribed officers under section 112 of the Local Government Act 1999. In all, 17 persons were paid the following total compensation:
2018 2017 $’000 $’000 Salaries, allowances & other short term benefits 1,169 1,194 Post-employment benefits 96 - Long term benefits 12 27 Termination benefits 148 - Total 1,425 1,221
Parties related to Key Management Personnel Two Key Management Personnel and/or relatives of Key Management Personnel are members in organisations that received Council support in the year, e.g. through sponsorship of community and sporting. Key Management Personnel and/or relatives of Key Management Personnel own retail businesses from which various supplies were purchased as required either for cash or on 30 day account. These purchases were made on normal commercial terms on an arms’s length basis. No individual purchases from these businesses exceeded $3,400 during the year. No Key Management Personnel or close family member (including related parties) lodged a planning application during the year.
144 145 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the members of the City of Mount Gambier
Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial report of the City of Mount Gambier, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2018, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the Council Certificate of the City of Mount Gambier.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial report presents fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the Council as at 30 June 2018, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards, Local Government Act 1999 and Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.
Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s s o si i iti s or t Audit o t i i ort section of our report. We are independent of the Council in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 od o t i s or ro ssio A ou t ts (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Council’s Responsibility for the Financial Report Council is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 and for such internal control as Council determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, Council is responsible for assessing the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless Council either intends to liquidate the Council or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Council’s financial reporting process.
146
u itor s Responsibility for the u it of the Financial Report ur ob ectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free fro material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. easonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a aterial isstate ent when it e ists isstate ents can arise fro fraud or error and are considered aterial if individually or in the aggregate they could reasonably be e pected to influence the econo ic decisions of users ta en on the basis of this financial report
As part of an audit of the financial report in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards we e ercise professional udge ent and aintain professional scepticis throughout the audit e also • dentify and assess the ris s of aterial isstate ent of the financial report whether due to fraud or error design and perfor audit procedures responsive to those ris s and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion he ris of not detecting a aterial isstate ent resulting fro fraud is higher than for one resulting fro error as fraud ay involve collusion forgery intentional o issions isrepresentations or the override of internal control • btain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circu stances but not for the purpose of e pressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Council’s internal control. • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting esti ates and related disclosures ade by anage ent • Conclude on the appropriateness of Council’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained whether a aterial uncertainty e ists related to events or conditions that ay cast significant doubt on the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or if such disclosures are inade uate to odify our opinion Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. owever future events or conditions ay cause the Council to cease to continue as a going concern • Evaluate the overall presentation structure and content of the financial report including the disclosures and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a anner that achieves fair presentation
e co unicate with those charged with governance regarding a ong other atters the planned scope and ti ing of the audit and significant audit findings including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit
CC R C
i uhlhausler CA egistered Co pany Auditor Partner
ove ber 01
147
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT ON THE INTERNAL CONTROLS
To the Members of the City of Mount Gambier
Independent Assurance report on the Internal Controls of the City of Mount Gambier
Opinion We have audited the compliance of the City of Mount Gambier (the Council) with the requirements of Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls established by the Council to ensure that financial transactions relating to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of liabilities for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 have been conducted properly and in accordance with law.
In our opinion, the City of Mount Gambier has complied, in all material respects, with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation to Internal Controls established by the Council in relation to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of liabilities so as to provide reasonable assurance that the financial transactions of the Council have been conducted properly and in accordance with law for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.
Basis for Opinion We conducted our engagement in accordance with applicable Australian Standards on Assurance Engagements ASAE 3000 Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information and ASAE 3150 Assurance Engagements on Controls, issued by the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, in order to state whether, in all material respects, the Council has complied with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls specified above for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. ASAE 3000 also requires us to comply with the relevant ethical requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.
We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
The Council’s Responsibility for Internal controls The Council is responsible for implementing and maintaining an adequate system of internal controls, in accordance with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 to ensure that the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property, and incurring of liabilities have been conducted properly and in accordance with law.
Our Independence and Quality Control We have complied with the independence and other relevant ethical requirements relating to assurance engagements, and apply Auditing Standard ASQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Reports and Other Financial Information, and Other Assurance Engagements in undertaking this assurance engagement.
Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Council’s compliance with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls established by the Council to ensure that financial transactions relating to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of liabilities, based on our procedures. Our engagement has been conducted in accordance with applicable Australian Standards on Assurance Engagements ASAE 3000 Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information and ASAE 3150 Assurance Engagements on Controls, issued by the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, in order to state whether, in all material respects, the Council has complied with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls specified above for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. ASAE 3000 also requires us to comply with the relevant ethical requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.
i it tions o ontrols Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control structure it is possible that, even if the controls are suitably designed and operating effectively, the control objectives may not be achieved so that fraud, error, or non-compliance with laws and regulations may occur and not be detected. An assurance engagement on controls is not designed to detect all instances of controls operating ineffectively as it is not performed continuously throughout the period and the tests performed are on a sample basis. Any projection of the outcome of the evaluation of controls to future periods is subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with them may deteriorate.
i it tion o se This report has been prepared for the members of the Council in Accordance with Section 129 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation to the Internal Controls Specified above. We disclaim any assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report to any persons or users other than the members of the Council, or for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared.
A A A A A
i u l usler CA Registered Company Auditor Partner
5 November 2018
149
CITY OF MOUNT GAMBIER
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 June 2018
STATEMENT BY AUDITOR
I confirm that, for the audit of the financial statements of the City of Mount Gambier for the year ended 30 June 2018, I have maintained my independence in accordance with the requirements of APES 110 – Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, Section 290, published by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 made under that Act. This statement is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 22 (5) Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.
Tim Muhlhausler GALPINS ACCOUNTANTS, AUDITORS & BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
Dated this 5th day of November 2018
150 10 Watson Terrace (PO Box 56) Mount Gambier SA 5290 Phone 08 8721 2555 Email [email protected] www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au
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